Arabic Calligraphy in the Fatimid Era
Arabic calligraphy held great importance during the Fatimid era, as the Egyptians widely used it to decorate many prominent landmarks. It adorned domes, minarets, corridors, as well as the palaces of the caliphs and the tombs of scholars. Its use also extended to the facades of public baths, horse racing tracks, prisons, and public libraries.
During this period, two distinctive types of calligraphy emerged in Egypt.
These are the “Fatimid Kufic script” and the “Fatimid script,” each characterized by a unique identity and style that set them apart from other Arabic scripts.
The Invention of the Liquid Ink Pen during the Fatimid Era
The Fatimid era witnessed a comprehensive cultural renaissance, and Arabic calligraphy played a significant role in this revival, as the bookbinding, decoration, and production of books flourished. Books were widely circulated, and scholars and intellectuals played a major role in this prosperity.
The liquid ink pen was invented for the first time by the inventor Ibn Sa’id al-Rahbi.
He presented the pen to the Fatimid caliph. The pen featured a small ink reservoir and a fine nib, a unique invention at that time. However, this invention was not commercially adopted or manufactured widely for the public, due to the availability of a range of fine pens that were used to write small Qurans that could be carried in a pocket. Some of these pens had nibs so fine that they measured a tenth of a centimeter.
The Peak of Cultural Flourishing during the Reign of Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi
The Fatimid Caliphate lasted for over two centuries, reaching its cultural peak during the reign of Caliph Al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah al-Fatimi. He was one of the first to use the liquid ink pen, reflecting the Fatimids’ commitment to embracing innovations and developments in the fields of culture and writing.
Overall, Arabic calligraphy during the Fatimid era was more than just a means of writing; it was an art form that reflected the cultural and civilizational progress witnessed by the Fatimid state. It was used to decorate and embellish buildings and major landmarks, adding a unique aesthetic touch to the architecture of that time, symbolizing the flourishing of that era.
