A Comparative Study of Historical and Sociological Approaches to the Nature of Islamic Art in the Views of Afif al-Bahansi and Frederick Matouk

Islamic art, as a rich cultural heritage, is the result of the interaction between Islamic teachings and various traditions within the realm of Islamic civilization, manifesting in forms such as architecture, calligraphy, and geometric decorations. The definition of this art has always been a topic of discussion due to the diversity of viewpoints and historical and cultural influences. Historians consider Islamic art to be dependent on historical conditions, while sociologists view it as a product of social, economic, and political structures. These approaches highlight different aspects of the nature of Islamic art. This research aims to examine the concept of Islamic art from both historical and sociological perspectives, relying on the views of Afif al-Bahansi and Frederick Matouk. The goal is to uncover the distinctions and overlaps between these two approaches in defining Islamic art. The research method is descriptive-analytical-comparative, reviewing library sources to analyze the theories of the two thinkers. The findings indicate that Islamic art can be analyzed both as an extension of pre-Islamic artistic traditions and as a new phenomenon arising from the intellectual transformations of Islam. While al-Bahansi emphasizes historical continuity, Matouk focuses on epistemological breaks, both agreeing that Islamic art reflects a monotheistic worldview and profound spiritual concepts.