iranian calligraphy1

Iranian calligraphy (known by Iranians) or Persian calligraphy (known by Western countries) is an art work on paper, combined with painting, or a book illustration, wall painting, on carpet or a separate art work with root in Persian poetry in Iran. Persian calligraphy is considered to be one of the most eye catching and fascinating manifestations of Persian culture. The history of calligraphy in Iran dates back to 3th millennium BC mostly seen in Jiroft Civilization (Kerman province of Iran), and also several calligraphy on stone dated back to 550 BC during Achamenid dynasty which beautiful and clear writings were always praised. 

The history of calligraphy in Iran dates back to the pre Islam era. In Zoroastrianism beautiful and clear writings were always praised.

The art of calligraphy is one of the reputable and famous arts in Iran.

Saki or Saqi, 1609; Moraqqa’-e Golshan, Isfahan, Iran; Golestan Palace

Calligraphy has always been one of the most dearest arts throughout the centuries of the Iranian history.

These beautiful handwritings have been preserved in the form of about 15,000 copies of the Holy Koran and many other poems that blend together the art of painting and writing.

Many of those hand written books are beautifully decorated and pages are often framed with precious golden characters.

With the advent of Islam, calligraphy got entered a new era.

According to Islamic thought, figural arts and painting live objects has an idolatry implication, therefore words and shapes were chosen to convey artistic messages.

The importance of the art of calligraphy among Iranian arts is such that some arts seem to be imperfect, without decorative calligraphy.

Most of the handwritten books of Iran specially the Holy Quran, and collections of poems such as Shahnameh, Hafez, Golestan, Boostan and Khayam have been recognized as precious artistic works because of their graceful and delicate calligraphy.

These books possess extraordinary value and importance for the art experts all around the world.

The calligraphy works of notorious and virtuous calligraphers of Iran are preserved as precious artistic works in museums and private collections all around the world.

Common styles are Kufic which is mainly used for religious purposes. Non-Kufic styles, called cursive is used for everyday use.

Numerous styles have been developed over the centuries.

Becoming master of Persian calligraphy requires long and hard training together with self concentration.

The alphabet of Persian language has changed 4 times during history from Nail alphabet to Avestan, Pahlavi and the current one which is simply known as three stages of Old Persian, Middle Persian and Modern Persian.

Iranians more than any other nation have used various calligraphy to enrich and beautify earthen-ware, metallic vessels and historic buildings.

Shiraz, Masjed-e Vakil 1751-1773

The calligraphy on the Great Gate reads "O Soul, thou art at rest. Return to the Lord at peace with Him, and He at peace with you." The calligraphy was created by the Persian calligrapher Abd ul-Haq, who came to India from Shiraz, Iran, in 1609

India, Taj Mahal

To name some of artists: Ahmad Neyrizi, Hossein Mirkhani, Ali Akbar Kaveh, Ebrahim Bouzari, Hassan Mirkhani, Mehdi Baiani. Zendeh Roudi, Jalil Rasouli, Parviz Tanavoli (also calligraphy as sculpture).

Masih Zad, is an Iranian designer, currently living and working in California, Beverly Hills, the US. He was born in 1984 in Isfahan, the city of art and culture, in an art-loving, artist family. Something very special about his work, he uses Iranian calligrafy in his designs.

Sound: Farid Farjad • - Goleh Pamchal - An Roozha (Those Days)

Text and pictures: InternetArangement: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda