The role of Persia in the creation of Arabic calligraphy art.
After the spread of Islam, the art of Arabic calligraphy moved to Persia, where Persian calligraphers were influenced by the skills of calligraphers in Baghdad. They became highly skilled in this art, earning fame for the beauty of their scripts. In Baghdad, the Ta’liq script emerged in the late 8th century AH. Calligrapher Mir Ali Tabrizi drew inspiration for this style from Iraqi calligraphers of that period. Many calligraphers adopted his method and mastered this script with great proficiency, including some from Persia.
“The development of the Nasta’liq script in Persia”
Calligraphers in Persia created a new script that combined Naskh and Ta’liq, naming it “Nasta’liq” for its ease of pronunciation. Many calligraphers excelled in mastering it, most notably Mahmoud Neyshabouri, who transcribed the Quran in this style. The renowned master Mir Ali Tabrizi, known as the “Qibla of Calligraphers,” was a pioneer in establishing the rules of the Ta’liq script, showcasing creativity and expertise in all types of calligraphy.
“The Journey of Calligraphy Art in the Persian Era”
One of the most prominent students of the great master Mir Ali Tabrizi was the calligrapher Imad al-Din al-Hassani, who gained widespread fame for the beauty and precision of his script, in addition to his strict adherence to the rules and principles established by his teacher. Al-Hassani was distinguished by his development of the Ta’liq script, improving its aesthetics and design to make it more elegant and harmonious. Due to his exceptional skill, he was titled “King of Calligraphers” of his era and played a significant role in the evolution of calligraphy art, becoming a symbol of creativity and excellence in the art of writing. Al-Hassani was a calligrapher who was never content with what he had learned; he constantly sought innovation and development while preserving the spirit of authenticity.
Arabic Calligraphy in Samarkand
Timur chose the city of Samarkand as the capital of his empire due to its strategic location and architectural beauty. He worked to enhance its culture and arts by bringing a group of talented artists and calligraphers from Baghdad, which contributed to the flourishing of visual arts. On the other hand, the city of Herat became an important cultural hub during Timur’s era, as his son, Shah Rukh, made it his seat of power. Shah Rukh established an art institute there, which became a launching point for literary and artistic creativity. Great Sufi poetry was composed, and the Shahnameh was transcribed, making Herat a prominent cultural center that resonated with the spirit of the era and supported the artistic and literary movements of that period.
“The Flourishing of Shiraz during the Reign of Sultan Ibrahim Shah Rukh”
The city of Shiraz witnessed a remarkable period of flourishing during the reign of Sultan Ibrahim Shah Rukh, becoming a prominent cultural and artistic capital of that era. Shiraz represented an important branch of the Timurid school, founded by Timur and his sons, and it became a hub for attracting scholars and artists. Among the literary achievements produced in this city, the Mirajnama is considered one of the most notable works that reflects the creativity of that time. This valuable manuscript is currently preserved in a public library in Paris, reflecting its cultural impact and the continuity of its literary legacy through the ages.
