Mathematics and Islamic Art

The most exciting experiences in mathematical development are the discovery of unifying ideas which are central to many different topics. One such idea is the Vedic square. Not that I am claiming to have discovered the Vedic square! Its properties were known to the people of Northern India many centuries ago and it was the basis of a whole mathematical system. In AD 770 the Muslims incorporated it into their system of mathematical knowledge. It is from them that our knowledge has developed. Some of the properties of the square led to the discovery of systems which formed the basis of the intricate patterns and designs which are now familiar to us as examples of Islamic Art.