The art of carving is one of the oldest traditions in history.
Over the ages, Islamic Arabic calligraphy has been carved into architecture & objects. Today, artists are continuing this craft for future generations…
A thread on the past & present of carved Arabic calligraphy…
Over the ages, Islamic Arabic calligraphy has been carved into architecture & objects. Today, artists are continuing this craft for future generations…
A thread on the past & present of carved Arabic calligraphy…
1/ The traditional art of carving Arabic calligraphy is a dying craft. However, artisans are reviving and continuing this tradition. To carve pieces of art requires the highest level of precision & patience from skilled artisans…
2/ Carved calligraphy detail from the Oljeitu mihrab in Masjed-e Jame, Isfahan, Iran, where tuluth script calligraphy in stucco becomes pure art. The mosque is the result of continual construction, reconstruction, additions and renovations on the site from around 771
3/ Carved Arabic calligraphy at the Qutb Minar, Delhi, India. Built in the early 13th century, the red sandstone tower of Qutb Minar is 72.5 m high, tapering from 2.75 m in diameter at its peak to 14.32 m at its base.
4/ Carved Arabic calligraphy on stucco tile from Nasrid Spain, 14th – 15th century
It reads ‘wa-la ghaliba illa allah’ on a split-palmette scroll background in @KhaliliOnline
It reads ‘wa-la ghaliba illa allah’ on a split-palmette scroll background in @KhaliliOnline
5/ Carved Arabic calligraphy in the cursive Tuluth script
Includes a phrase that translates as, "I am the city of knowledge & Ali is its gateway," which makes it probable that the doors come from a Shiite shrine. The style indicates they come from Syria or Iraq, 13th-14th c.
Includes a phrase that translates as, "I am the city of knowledge & Ali is its gateway," which makes it probable that the doors come from a Shiite shrine. The style indicates they come from Syria or Iraq, 13th-14th c.
6/ Stucco carved Arabic calligraphy at Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain
A palace and fortress complex which is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world
A palace and fortress complex which is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world
7/ Carved Arabic calligraphy on Moroccan architecture, 14th century
A from the Attarine School in the old medina. Built by Sultan Abu Said Othman al-Marini, (of the Marinid dynasty), between 1323 & 1325. It is located in the neighborhood of the same name.
A from the Attarine School in the old medina. Built by Sultan Abu Said Othman al-Marini, (of the Marinid dynasty), between 1323 & 1325. It is located in the neighborhood of the same name.
8/ Carved Arabic calligraphy on marble mihrab tile, Afghanistan, Ghazna, 1100
This marble tile features a niche with an oil lamp whose burning flame rises high above the lamp’s edge. The name of God, “Allah,” is repeated on each side of the lamp. From The David Collection.
This marble tile features a niche with an oil lamp whose burning flame rises high above the lamp’s edge. The name of God, “Allah,” is repeated on each side of the lamp. From The David Collection.
9/ Carved Arabic Calligraphy at The Bahia Palace, 19th-century, Marrakesh, Morocco.
Built by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, in 1859 & continued by his son Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz between 1894 & 1900.
Built by Si Musa, grand vizier of Alaouite sultan Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rahman, in 1859 & continued by his son Si Ba Ahmed ibn Musa, grand vizier of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz between 1894 & 1900.
10/ Carved Arabic calligraphy inspiration in architecture
11/ Carved Arabic calligraphy at Divriği Great Mosque and Hospital
Built in 1228–1229 by the local dynasty of the Mengujekids in the small Anatolian town of Divriği, now in Sivas Province, Turkey. The complex is located in the upper town, below the citadel.
Built in 1228–1229 by the local dynasty of the Mengujekids in the small Anatolian town of Divriği, now in Sivas Province, Turkey. The complex is located in the upper town, below the citadel.
12/ Carved Arabic calligraphy Qur’an inscriptions, seen here on Al-Aqsa Mosque (“farthest mosque”) in the Old City of Jerusalem, Palestine
13/ Woodwork and Islamic art carved Arabic calligraphy in The Mausoleum of Sultan Qalawun, Cairo, Egypt
It was built by the Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun in the 1280s; and includes a madrasa, a hospital and a mausoleum
It was built by the Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad Ibn Qalawun in the 1280s; and includes a madrasa, a hospital and a mausoleum
14/ Stucco carved Arabic calligraphy at Alhambra, Granada, Andalusia, Spain
A palace and fortress complex which is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world
A palace and fortress complex which is one of the most famous monuments of Islamic architecture and one of the best-preserved palaces of the historic Islamic world
15/ As well as architecture, Arabic calligraphy was carved into objects like this wooden 14th century Qur'an/manuscript stand. The artist's name, Hasan ibn Zain ibn Sulaiman al-Isfahani, has also been inscribed, & the date of production (1360). It is now @metmuseum
16/ The art of carving Arabic calligraphy is a dying craft. However, artisans are reviving and continuing this tradition today, especially in woodwork. Here are some contemporary examples…
17/ Contemporary hand carved wooden Islamic Ayatul Kursi
Calligraphy from the holy Qur’an.
Calligraphy from the holy Qur’an.
18/ Khalid Shahin is a sculptor and painter. He has created a unique style combining and integrating Text-Art, typography and Arabic calligraphy with his abstract paintings and unique sculptures. This hand carved wooden piece with Arabic calligraphy is titled ‘Loop’.
19/ The Artist collective @mahajati was formed as a method to preserve the dwindling trade of Islamic wood carving, while making art more accessible to those who would appreciate it.
20/ Exquisite carved wooden masterpiece from @mahajati with fine Islamic Arabic calligraphy, and the 99 names of Allah swt.
If you like this thread, check out our forthcoming Islamic Art & Culture Digital Festival, happening online - 28 & 29 November
At the festival, hear from leading Arabic calligraphy artists, who will share their creative practice & expertise
Book tickets: baytalfann.com
At the festival, hear from leading Arabic calligraphy artists, who will share their creative practice & expertise
Book tickets: baytalfann.com
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