The Art Of Paradise: Inside The World Of Islamic Art (Waldemar Januszczak Documentary) | Perspective

WJ, thanks for opening the heart and mind of this 68 yr old Kentucky boy!

I'm so happy I watched this. I live in Istanbul for 7 years and never knew about that hidden mosque, the Rüstem Paşa Camii. I will go there soon and watch those tiles closely. I bought things in those shops underneath, fun to know that I contributed to maintenance! Lovely doc. I became obsessed with Waldemar's passionate presentation and unusual selection. Just lovely.

Tears in the first 2 minutes- I watch and love anything Waldemar makes!

Dismayed by all the hatred in the comments. All great human civilisations have expressed themselves through the arts. All great civilisations have expanded their influence and wealth through the conquest and destruction of others. All great civilisations have lost their way through hubris, excess, complacency and greed. This is as true of Christianity as of Islam. The whole point of 'Perspective' is to share engaging information and insights on how visual art historically reflected the life, times and aspirations of those captured within it and those who made it from one expert point of view. Love the series!

I took an Islamic Art class in college in the 80’s The professor was well known especially for informing people that the oppression of women has no basis in the Islamic faith. He, his wife and pregnant daughter were brutally hacked to death during a home invasion while they were having dinner. His daughter’s unborn baby was miraculously saved. True Islamic culture is peaceful and full of beauty.

I have been watching every episode with close attention, learning so much about history and cultures and places. I enjoy the style of presentation, the enthusiasm, coupled with a critical understanding that Waldemar brings to every subject. In this one, I particularly appreciated the dedication at he end.

I absolutely love Waldemar Januszczak...he keeps everything interesting and I can watch them over and over again!

The mud mosque was brand new for me…how wonderful! And the relationship between the people and their mosque blew me away. Good thing are no flies in my house…I’ve spent most of this video dropping my jaw!

the best art history teacher/presenter in my book. edutainment at its best.

Absolutely adore Waldemar Januszczak. So informative as always.

Anytime that I want to explore something new I watch one of Walter’s documentaries. Thank you, my friend.

Brilliant, beautiful, informative, educational. Thank you Waldermar.

Wow. Thank you for the opening piece to camera. I haven't even watched the film yet and I wanted to comment. Something I don't normally do. I worked at Aldgate station then and was 10 min late to work that day, I had moved house and took the bus instead of my normal tube ride to work. I arrived just after the explosion. It shook me so much, I would have been in the tunnel with the victims. It was terrible but it should not have stopped your work. There are, unfortunately, extremists within so many sections of our world. The rest of the amazing people shouldn't have a shadow cast over their lives and cultures because of those extremists. I love the little I know about Islamic art and am looking forward to watching the rest of this. Thanks again.

The comments on this are horrific. Can we not simply enjoy the incredible age of that which has survived, the beauty of what we can still enjoy? Forget opinions on religion or critiquing the host. Just look at what you see. The hostility among the ppl watching ruins everything.

I've watched, and enjoyed, learned from, been enriched by, so many of your shows. This one is breathtakingly gorgeous. Thanks, Waldermar!

I had such a moment when I was 14. I loved the work of both CranachS. I was in California spending a summer with my father who was doing meteorological research on making rain. He discovered a Cranach the Younger Madonna and Child would be displayed in LA and took me there as a surprise. The light in the fruit left me transfixed, tears pouring down my face and only able to say so beautiful,over and over. I’m 70 and I still remember that light.

his accent makes everything sound like the most amazing thing ever

I’ve loved Persian medieval art since childhood…as a little girl I thought it magical…and it still is for me. To attack that art oh my…religious extremism leads to such destruction.

The story Waldemar told is just adorable! Thank you for the film ❤

I've watched a number of programs in which Islamic art was the topic. I have discovered that these artworks - whether painted, sculpted or tiled - all so aesthetically beautiful, almost relaxing. The colors are so vivid, thousands of years after the artworks had been created. Absolutely beautiful.. thank you for this film. Omar Khayyaim, the 13th warrior. It is eye opening to learn that rebellion is a common human trait. Life affirming, really.. so, I'm assuming that all the good & the bad (we cannot have the one without the other] that humanity has trudged through over the centuries will go on & on. Wheels keep turning. I am heartbroken, seeing the destruction of the 600+ year old tiled structures. For shame.