The Splendour of Islamic Calligraphy

Tracing the origins: legend and epigraphy; myths of origin; tawqaf and istillah; epigraphical confusions. The proportions of the line: the alif module; the geometric interplay; colour; miniature and arabesque; the pen. Schools and styles: typology; meaning and the written word; diacritical signs; kufic and naskhi; ibn Muqla; ibn al-Bawweb; calligraphy and history. Symbolism of the page: the spell of the face; jafr, or the science of letters; futuhat, or isolated letters; the bismillah; the margin; the signature. In the sight of Allah: a delicate vibration; ornamentation of buildings. The architectural context: landmarks; styles. Contemporary painting: zenderoudi; koraishi; boullata.