Islamic calligraphy, known for its beauty and precision, encompasses a variety of styles that have developed over centuries. Each style has distinct characteristics and serves different purposes in both religious texts and artistic works.
Here are some of the most notable Islamic calligraphy styles:
- Kufic:
- Characteristics: Kufic is one of the oldest styles, known for its angular, linear form. It is often characterized by long horizontal lines and vertical strokes.
- Usage: Initially used to transcribe the Quran, Kufic was also employed in architectural inscriptions, coins, and other decorative arts due to its strong, geometric appearance.
- Naskh:
- Characteristics: Naskh is a cursive style that is noted for its legibility and clarity. It has rounded letters and is relatively smaller, making it suitable for writing books and documents.
- Usage: Widely used for copying the Quran and in book production, Naskh has become one of the most prevalent scripts in the Arabic-speaking world.
- Thuluth:
- Characteristics: Thuluth is known for its large, elegant script with curved letters and pronounced diacritical marks. It often features intertwining lines and elaborate ornamentation.
- Usage: Frequently used in architectural inscriptions, mosque decorations, and for creating large, decorative calligraphic pieces.
- Diwani:
- Characteristics: Developed during the Ottoman Empire, Diwani is a highly cursive style characterized by its fluidity and complexity. It often has densely packed letters and is used for aesthetic rather than practical purposes.
- Usage: Traditionally used in Ottoman court documents and for official decrees, due to its intricate and confidential nature.
- Riq’ah:
- Characteristics: Riq’ah is a simplified form of Naskh developed for ease and speed of writing. It is commonly used in everyday writing and documentation.
- Usage: Used for personal correspondence, note-taking, and simple decorative purposes due to its straightforward, no-frills style.
- Maghribi:
- Characteristics: Originating in the Maghreb region of North Africa, Maghribi script features wide, sweeping letters with strong diagonal emphasis and rounded forms.
- Usage: Found in manuscripts and architectural ornamentation primarily in North Africa and parts of Spain.
- Ta’liq (or Nasta’liq):
- Characteristics: Ta’liq, and its variation Nasta’liq, is known for its flowing, slanting letters and is often used in Persian and Urdu manuscripts.
- Usage: Widely used in Persianate cultures for poetry, official documents, and literature due to its graceful and expressive style.
These calligraphy styles reflect the rich diversity and historical development of written art in the Islamic world. Each style serves specific functions and embodies the aesthetic and cultural values of its time, making Islamic calligraphy a vibrant and enduring art form.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.