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Library AP Art History Unit 7: West and Central Asia
⁂   AP Art History · Unit 7

7. West and Central Asia

4–4% of the AP exam. Key topics: Achaemenid Persian art: Persepolis, processional reliefs, luxury metalwork, imperial portraiture, Islamic architecture: mosque typology (hypostyle, iwan, central-dome), Dome of the Rock, Great Mosque of Cordoba, Hagia Sophia conversion, Islamic decorative arts: arabesque, geometric pattern, calligraphy as sacred art, tilework, Illuminated manuscripts in the Islamic tradition: miniature painting, figural representation debates, Nomadic and steppe cultures: portable objects, animal-style metalwork, Scythian goldwork, Silk Road cultural exchange: hybrid visual vocabularies across West and Central Asia, Safavid and Mughal court arts: carpet weaving, architecture, miniature painting.

4 instructional periods 4–4% exam weight standard track

Unit 7: West and Central Asia

Study guide content for this unit is being prepared. Check back soon for complete lesson notes, formula sheets, and worked examples.

Topics in this unit

  • Achaemenid Persian art: Persepolis, processional reliefs, luxury metalwork, imperial portraiture
  • Islamic architecture: mosque typology (hypostyle, iwan, central-dome), Dome of the Rock, Great Mosque of Cordoba, Hagia Sophia conversion
  • Islamic decorative arts: arabesque, geometric pattern, calligraphy as sacred art, tilework
  • Illuminated manuscripts in the Islamic tradition: miniature painting, figural representation debates
  • Nomadic and steppe cultures: portable objects, animal-style metalwork, Scythian goldwork
  • Silk Road cultural exchange: hybrid visual vocabularies across West and Central Asia
  • Safavid and Mughal court arts: carpet weaving, architecture, miniature painting