Image by Walters Art Museum Illuminated Manuscripts via Flickr

Arabic Calligraphy is more that just a written script. According to a recent post in Muslim Matters, it was used as a tool for communication, like most languages but later eveolved to be used in “architecture, decoration and coin design.”

Not surprising, because the arabic script including the beauty of Islamic calligrapy is spellbounding to the eye. 

A part that I'd like to focus on in this article is the history of the Kufic Script.

If we examine Kufic script inscriptions, we'll notice particular characteristics, such as the angular shapes and long vertical lines. The script letters used to be wider, which made writing long content more difficult. These characteristics affected the usability of the script and made it more suitable for architectural and written Islamic titles, instead of long texts. The script was used for the architectural decoration of buildings, such as mosques, palaces and schools.

Below are some examples of Kufic scripts and their different developmental stages:

Kufic script from the 9th – 10th centuries (Image source: Will Schofield)

Kufic script from the Holy Qur'an, 11th century (Image source: Smithsonian's Museums of Asian Art)

While Kufic has been used for a long time and is one of the more common scripts across the Islamic civilization, some versions of it were developed in particular areas, such as Egypt and Iraq. Understanding how the script developed in different areas and being able to identify each variation of it will help us identify the origins of the artifacts where they appear. Variations and developments of the Kufic script include the following:

• The thick Kufic script This is one of the earliest forms of the Kufic script and was used in the early copies of the Holy Qur'an.
• Magribi Kufic script
  This script was used in Morocco and includes curves and loops, unlike the original Kufic script.
• Mashriqi Kufic Script
  The letters in this script are similar to the original Kufic, with a thinner look and decorative lines.
• Piramouz script
  This script is another version of the Mashriqi script that was developed in Iran.
• Ghaznavid and Khourasan scripts
  These two other forms of the Kufic script were developed in Iran. These scripts have the same thickness as the original Kufic script, with long vertical lines and decorative ends.
• Fatimid Kufic
  This form developed in North Africa, especially in Egypt. It was written in thick lines and short curves.
• Square Kufic
  This form is very noticeable, with its straight letters and no curves at all.

The Fatimid Kufic script appears in the architecture of Bab Al Nasr, a gate built by Badr Al-Jamali, a minister of Fatimid Caliphate (909 – 1171 CE), on the northern wall of Fatimid Cairo (Image source: Md iet)

The Fatimid Kufic script appears here on the Sultan Hasan mosque in the Fatimid Cairo. (Image source:Stars in Symmetry)

 Credits: Taking A Closer Look At Arabic Calligraphy
 

Image by Omar Chatriwala via Flickr

I read an article that talks about how one artist is using arabic calligraphy and street painting to make his mark. 

The beauty of the arabic script is boldly stated by bright spray paint as it flows across the wall and makes an equally bold public art statement capturing the eyes of passers by. 

Arabic script is gorgeous: bold swirls and delicate loops and fat, juicy dots that look ready to burst. Could be an ad for toothpaste, but to my eye it’s art. The only upside to being Arabic-illiterate is that I see script as pure graphics. Arabic-speaking friends think I’m nuts. I clip newsprint and make collages. My daughter rolls her eyes, then joins me with scissors and glue. I think everyone can appreciate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy. Enter my soulmate, eL Seed.

Born in France to Tunisian parents, his work is a quest for identity. He dabbled in graffiti as a hobbyist, but didn’t take the art form seriously until twelve years ago. eL Seed’s style developed in tandem with a re-immersion into his family’s roots and language. Although street art can be controversial, he chose the form because of its public view; it’s immediate and accessible. It doesn’t require climate control, special lighting, or security guards. And it pulls people in who might not normally enter a museum.

 Credits: Arabic Calligraphy – eL Seed’s Writing Is On the Wall

Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, and what better than Arabic calligraphy to grace public walls, and Islamic calligraphy art to grace ones home?

Image by Siddhesh Mangela via Flickr

Islamic Architecture has always been a favourite topic of mine. Although Islamic art is my primary focus, Islamic architecture holds a special place in my heart because it is both art and science. The precise mathematical geometric designs repeating in patterns, the flowing Islamic calligraphy script in various arabic calligraphy styles – the tiles, mosaics, arches, windows, domes – you name it, Islamic architecture has in it an inherent beauty that is admired the world over. 

I recently read an article stated “What's Your Nation's Signature Architectural Style?” and it was interesting to see what people thought about the different architectural styles their own unique cities and countries boasted. 

You can read the full post here:  Credits: What's your nation's signature architectural style?

My personal favourite when it comes to Islamic architecture is that of the Fatimids in North Africa, a recent reflection of which can be found in Saifee Hospital which now adorns Mumbai's unique skyline (see picture above), and is the perfect example of traditional Islamic architecture fused with modern design.

]]> https://tasneemsachee.com/like-simply-islam-on-facebook-to-win/feed 0 https://tasneemsachee.com/bismillah-rustic-islamic-art-poster https://tasneemsachee.com/bismillah-rustic-islamic-art-poster#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:21:47 +0000 http://tasneemsachee.com/?p=119
BIG 16″x16″ Bismillah RUSTIC Islamic Art Poster! by tasneemsachee
Browse Islamic Posters ]]> https://tasneemsachee.com/bismillah-rustic-islamic-art-poster/feed 1 https://tasneemsachee.com/tasneem-sachee-buy-islamic-art-youtube https://tasneemsachee.com/tasneem-sachee-buy-islamic-art-youtube#comments Tue, 13 Dec 2011 12:25:00 +0000 http://tasneemsachee.com/?p=87 Here’s a quick overview of my Islamic Art in Video.

You’ll get an idea of the vibrancy of color, arabic calligraphy styles, texture and more.

Islamic Art makes a great gift.

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All over the world, art reflects the culture and even the beliefs of those who create it.  This is definitely a visible occurrence with Islamic Art as it relates to Muslim culture.  The focus of the Muslim people has always been Allah (God) He is the center of their lives and is present in all they do.  Their belief system is such that everything, good and bad, all come from the Plan of the All Wise.  Nothing is by chance, nothing is random.  There is a very stringent order that there should be nothing that depicts humans or animals in a way that could result in any kind of idol-worship.

Because of this order, Islamic art developed its own unique style incorporating several forms of art including arabesque, floral, calligraphic and geometric.  Many times these different styles are all interwoven, giving Islamic art its own distinctive flavor and look as it relates to Muslim culture.

One of the biggest beliefs of the Muslims is that God wants whatever you to, to be done beautifully.  That belief has been echoed throughout the Islamic art for generations.

All over the Muslim world, which stretches from North Africa all the way to Southeast Asia, Muslim culture varies and so does the Islamic art that has taken many forms; from casual Folk art to the most intricate art from skilled artisans, their dedication to their culture and to beauty is very evident in their creations.

Western style art forms and machine work have done much to diminish the traditional forms of hand crafted arts that were so prevalent in the Islamic art sector, but there are still some that hold fast to tradition and continue to create stunning and intricate handwork that is loved throughout the world.

A still important element in Islamic art is decorating that features Qur’anic calligraphy.  The Holy Qur’an, which is Islam’s sacred scripture, is a language that binds all Muslims all over, no matter where they are, in a single brotherhood.  Because of their love for the Qur’an, calligraphy became an art form used to lovingly embellish and decorate the writings of the Qur’an that were written everywhere from mosques and palaces, to homes and businesses.  They cherish the Qur’an and this beautiful calligraphic decoration was a way to almost put a beautiful framework around words that they believe in with all their heart.

Muslim culture is deep and strong, and many of the Islamic women for generations taught the work of fine crocheting and embroidery to their daughters.  Together, they would work on bed linens, towels, prayer rugs, quilts, rugs and more for the girl to have a full set to have when she married.  She would take this lovingly created set with her to her new home.   While not as commonly done as it used to be, there are parts of the world where this beautiful tradition is still carried out.

Islamic art is rich in culture, rich in spirituality, and rich in history.   Within a culture that truly cherishes where they came from, their religious beliefs and their people, their art is a reflection of their pride in what they believe.   The legacy of Islamic Art is as strong as ever and is evident in the fact that the finest arts, including rugs, come from places such as Turkey, Morocco, Iran, Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and India, where tradition is strong, and a dedication to their culture is displayed through the work of their hands.

Read more about muslim culture and muslim art or get an Islamic Art piece to have a piece of muslim culture in your home or office today!