Why are images of camels so common in oriental miniatures?

According to the Muslims, a camel is an amazing creation of Allah, possessing, like no other known animal, strength and endurance on the verge of a miracle.

In Islamic poetry, the camel is a symbol of beauty, hard work and humility, repentance and self-esteem. Perhaps, that is why images of camels are often in oriental miniatures.

We can say that the following miniature composition, belonging to the great painter of the East Kamal ad-din Behzad, is clear evidence of this.

In this miniature Kamal ad-din Behzad depicts the camels in the center as the main actors in the composition, meekly sitting down on their knees at the behest of their masters. The action takes place against the backdrop of a rocky hill covered with rare plants; the beautiful landscape and its inhabitants evoke various associations, especially against the background of the inscription – about the complexity of the world and its amazing rationality. It is amazing that even at such an advanced age, Behzad continued maintaining a firm line and a clear mind , creating a clear symmetrical composition. This late work of the artist is fraught with a deep philosophical meaning. Behzad, as it were, associates himself with this beautiful and hardworking animal.