Calligraphy is a type of visual art that refers beauty and full of inspirational writings. As far as the Islamic art is concerned, it may be counted as a unique original feature of Islamic art.
It is actually a highly fundamental element and one of the most highly regarded form of Islamic art. It is always considered a great artistic mode of visual expression.
Islamic calligraphy is based on the Arabic script. Arabic calligraphy is known as the "speaking art". It is declared the "art for soul".
The secret and charm behind the Arabic letters is universally accepted. The most important fact is that the history of Arabic Calligraphy is directly linked with the history of Islam.
The art of calligraphy can take years to master. It demands passion, dedication, concentration and lot of patience. Arabic calligraphy has developed over 14 centuries in various regions of the world.
The first formal calligraphy style is called the kufi style; after the city of Kufa in Iraq. In fact, Kufi is the first script associated with the Qur'an.
Cultural separation is quietly visible in terms of calligraphic development.So there is a beautiful Kufi script called "Maghrabi Kufi" and others called Kairouani, Saudani ( North Africa) and Farsi.
Around 1500C.E, Turkish calligraphers invented a style called "Deewani" which was rather difficult to read.
The other invention of Turkish calligraphers was a beautiful and decorative shape of twisted letters called "Tughra". It was used essentially as a seal or signature.
Arabic is a natural cursive language. The Arabic alphabets includes 28 letters and is written from right to left.
There are six major scripts :
- Kufi (place of development)
- Thuluth (width of the pen)
- Nasakh (usage of Qur'an)
- Deewani (writing of the Court)
- Riqa (daily simple use)
- Ta'liq or Nasta'liq (hanging style script)
Though calligraphy was originally a tool for communication, but with time, it begin to be used in architecture, decoration, in coin designs and various interiors.
In this regard, calligraphy is also appreciated and in widely practice for its beauty. No doubt, it is a functional decoration; such as on vases, walls, clothes, cushions and numerous other interiors.
As we all know that the art is the source of expression for both the artist and the collector.
The truth is that, Arabic calligraphy is still today one of the most widely acknowledged arts.
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