Maremat & Me'mari-e Iran

Abstract

Calligraphy is the outstanding art of Islamic world. Hence, one can easily see the influence of the art of calligraphy in the Islamic art branches, including architectural decorations. The main purpose of this fundamental research, assess and compare the content of wooden Nastaliq inscriptions that have been used in architectural decoration in Safavid dynasty in Iran.The case studies are choosen among of those samples that contain Nastaliq inscription which made by wood. The time limitation of this study is the Safavid era (906-1135 AH). In this paper, after preliminary library studies, due to limited statistical samples (because of separation of Nastaliq from the other calligraphic styles) census is taken.

The two main questions of this study are: When Nastaliq inscriptions used in the wooden architectural decorations for the first time? And what are the main contents inscribed on wooden decoration by Nastaliq in Safavid period?

The results indicate that the 17 inscriptions have been studied, in most of the buildings are located on the entrance doors. In the case of chronology, Nastaliq was used in middle 10th century A.H for the first time in the wooden inscriptions. General concepts used including valuable historical information that can be invoked as evidence first-hand. Also, the results show that Content posted in this group of inscriptions are not the Koranic verses and Islamic phrases. Often themes of the inscriptions are lyrics fit with the date, description of the building or work and mentioning the names of various people (King, Bonnie, Calligrapher, Poet and Manufacturer) and panegyric writing.