Ancient and modern secrets of Isfahan

Abstract

The art of medieval Islamic symmetry is well known throughout the world, albeit for a large part only from pictures. Recently, students from Leiden and Utrecht had the opportunity to see some extraordinary tilings through their own eyes on a study trip to Isfahan in Iran, under the guidance of Jan Hogendijk. As a result of this trip, a lasting contact was formed between the students here and those in Iran. Jan Hogendijk is professor in the history of mathematics in Utrecht and Leiden, and is a specialist on islamic mathematics.