Syria’s
well-earned reputation as a centre for language development was enhanced during
this period. The Umayyad Dynasty (661–750) established the land’s capital in
Damascus. Then, the later Abbasids (750–1199) engaged Syrian scholars to
translate ancient works of philosophy and science from Greek to Syriac, and
later to Arabic. During the Ayyubid dynasty (1171–1260), the arts of enameling,
gilding on glass, and ceramics rose to new levels of excellence. Works of art
from the period reflect this preoccupation with the written word, as seen in
bowls and vases that combine blessings and affirmations with ornate script and
decorative patterns.
