1. The Art of
Arabic Calligraphy

2. Discussion Questions
* What are the guidelines and aesthetic principles of Islamic art?
* What types of objects are art in Islam?
* What is the significance of calligraphy and geometric shapes in Islamic art?

3. How Writing Became an Art Form:
The Revelation of the Qur’an as an inspiration
To glorify the words of God – visually as in recitation
The discouragement of representing human figures

4. Development of Arabic Script:
As a writing system, Arabic appeared in early 5th Century.
The revelation of Islam had a major impact on the development
of Arabic language &
Script.

5. Iranian Helmet
Candlestick

6. Calligraphy Applications:
To Glorify & Beautify God’s words
As a form of worship
As a spiritual activity
Artistic
Decoration
Identity

7. http://upload. wikimedia. org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Tugra_Mahmuds_II

8. Tughra’ was used by the Ottoman sultans as their signature
Tughra’ was used by the Ottoman sultans as their signature. It was supposed to be impossible to imitate.
Signature of an Ottoman Sultan
Basmallah in Tughra’ style

9. See a tughra (tugra) in action

10. Pictorial Calligraphy: words are manipulated and structured into the shape of a human figure, a bird, an animal or an object.
Prayer in a form of a Lion
“Ali bin abi Talib, the victorious lion of God,
may God be pleased with him"
Prayer in a form of a human figure
“I testify that there is no god, but God
and Muhammad is a messenger of God"

11. Calligraphy in the shape of a mosque

12. Love & Peace by Fayeq Oweis, 2003

13. Arabic Calligraphy in Mosques
The Dome of the Rock
Minbar & Mihrab - Mosque of University of Jordan

14. Geometric Patterns http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/geom/hd_geom.htm
Complex geometric designs/ intricate geometrical patterns
Unity, Logic and Order
Unending repetition is believed by some to be an expression of the infinite nature of God.

15. Dome of the Rock

17. Now you get to try your hand at Islamic art…