{"id":1568,"date":"2023-11-16T20:34:39","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T19:34:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/umayyad-period-661-750\/"},"modified":"2023-11-16T20:34:39","modified_gmt":"2023-11-16T19:34:39","slug":"umayyad-period-661-750","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/umayyad-period-661-750\/","title":{"rendered":"Umayyad period (661-750)"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/div>
<\/i>Chapter 4<\/span><\/span><\/div>

Umayyad period (661-750)<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

From the end of the 7th<\/sup> century, the Hijazi script was homogenized and reworked in a context marked by the increasingly widespread use of the Arabic alphabet throughout the Empire. It was at this time that the Umayyad caliph ‘Abd al-Malik (646 – 705) imposed the use of Arabic script in chancery. This period saw the emergence of the Kufic<\/em> style, mainly used for writing the Qur\u2019an and decorating monuments. The Dome of the Rock mosque (Masjid Qubbatul-Sakhra) in Jerusalem, decorated with Qur\u2019anic quotations in the angular style known as Kufic, is an emblematic example of this writing style.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

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Manuscript of the Qur\u2019an
<\/b>Suras CII to CX
8th<\/sup> century
Style: Early Kufic
Parchment, 19,5 x 13 cm
ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-179<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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Calligraphy of the \u201cbismallah\u201d
<\/b>Style: Kufic
Parchment, 23,5 x 19,6 cm
ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-514<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

1. The Kufa school<\/span><\/h2>\n

It was in Kufa, from the 8th<\/sup> century onwards, that a new calligraphic style called “k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em>“, aiming at aesthetic perfection, appeared alongside the h\u00eej\u00e2zi<\/em> These were the first styles used for writing the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n

As the names of the precursors of this first school have been forgotten, the tree of transmission of this apprenticeship is traced back to Hassan al-Basri (642-728), one of the first links in certain Sufi spiritual chains and a pupil of Al\u00ee ibn Ab\u00ee T\u00e2lib (circa 600-661).<\/p>\n

1.1 Calligraphic styles<\/strong><\/h5>\n
K\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> (8th<\/sup> century)<\/strong><\/h5>\n

K\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> script is characterized by its straight, angular lines. The latter are characterized by the use of short vertical strokes, extended horizontal lines that often end up rounded, and blanks to insert a regular cadence and to separate words. Archaic k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> is particularly difficult to decipher, as it is devoid of vocalization and vowel marks. To make reading easier, certain colored signs are added as they become necessary. Calligraphers of this style enriched K\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> writing, notably by adding arabesque at the beginning and end of the Holy Qur\u2019an to enhance the overall beauty of the Arabic characters.<\/p>\n

The development of the k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> style reached its peak during the Abbasid dynasty, when over seventy variants of k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> script were recorded, including :<\/p>\n

    \n
  • rectangular k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> (“shutranji<\/em>” or “chess set”), mainly used in architectural decor, with its highly geometric (labyrinthine) layout;<\/li>\n
  • \u201cflowery\u201d k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em>, used in the art of bookmaking, notably for title pages, monument decoration, pottery, ceramics, etc.;<\/li>\n
  • interlaced k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em>, which has since become an ornamental motif of choice in Maghrebian (North African) art, mainly in sculpted or chased plasterwork.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    1.2 Founding masters<\/span><\/h4>\n
    Khalid ibn al-Hayy\u00e2j (7th<\/sup> century)<\/h5>\n

    Khalid ibn al-Hayy\u00e2j was the official scribe of Caliph Al-Wal\u00eed ibn Abdul Malik (668-715), known for his patronage of Islamic arts and architecture. In addition to his role in the realization of major architectural projects, he is known as the author of the calligraphy decorating the Medina mosque and for his contribution to the creation of numerous large and prestigious copies of the Qur\u2019an. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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    Page from a copy of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Sura XI 49-50,
    9th century
    Style: Early Kufic
    Parchment, 29,4 x 20,8 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-513<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

    <\/div>
    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Nephrite jade pendant<\/strong>
    with inscription in K\u00fbf\u00ee script
    Sura LXI, 13
    2 x 4 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Objects, OBJ-3589<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Page from a copy of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Gold writing on blue background
    Sura XXX 28
    Style: Kufic
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-630<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Page from a copy of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Sura XXXVI 25-27
    Style: Early Kufic
    Parchment, 20 x 28 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-575<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

    2. Andalusian-Maghrebian school (929-1031)<\/span>
    (929-1031)<\/span><\/h2>\n

    The Umayyads of Andalusia, from the Arabic name al-Andalus, established a caliphal dynasty in 929. This period saw the blossoming of a brilliant cultural center that spread throughout the Mediterranean basin, giving rise to the al-Maghribi<\/em> school. The “D\u00e2r al-isl\u00e2m” encompasses two schools of Islamic calligraphy: al-mashriq\u00ee<\/em> from the Islamic East and al-maghrib\u00ee<\/em> from Western Egypt through Southern Europe (Andalusia, Sicily, etc.). The al-maghrib\u00ee<\/em> school, which originated in Kairouan, disseminated a Western k\u00fbf\u00ee<\/em> style of writing, characterized by geometric shapes, square letters and elaborate ornamentation. It influenced Qur\u2019anic calligraphy, giving rise to four writing variants: al-‘andal\u00fbs\u00ee<\/em>, al-qayraw\u00e2n\u00ee<\/em>, sud\u00e2n\u00ee<\/em> and f\u00e2s\u00ee<\/em>.<\/p>\n

    2.1 Calligraphic styles<\/span><\/h4>\n
    Maghrib\u00ee<\/span><\/em><\/h5>\n

    Maghribi<\/em> calligraphy emerged in the 9th<\/sup> century and reached its peak in the 11th<\/sup> century. It is characterized by fine lines, generous shapes and slightly varying notation for certain letters. This cursive style was commonly used for religious, administrative and literary texts. It was also used to decorate palaces and mosques in North Africa and Andalusia, notably the Alhambra (Granada). Ibn al-Jazar\u00ee, a Muslim scholar (1350 – 1429) who lived in Andalusia, is one of the most famous Maghribi calligraphers.<\/p>\n

    Andal\u00fbs\u00ee<\/span><\/em><\/h5>\n

    The Andalus\u00ee<\/em> calligraphic style flourished in Andalusia from the 9th<\/sup> to the 15th<\/sup> century. Linked to the Maghribi<\/em> school, it is characterized by curved, flowing forms, with attention to harmonious lines and balanced composition. Letters are decorated with floral and geometric motifs, and manuscripts are adorned with shimmering colors and gold.<\/p>\n

    Used in mosques, palaces and madrasas<\/em>, andal\u00fbs\u00ee<\/em> calligraphy adorns wall and architectural decorations with Qur\u2019anic verses, poems and decorative inscriptions, adding an aesthetic touch to these spaces. Originally from Cordoba, Andalusian<\/em> calligraphy merged with the F\u00e2s\u00ee style after the Arabs left the Andalusian lands.<\/p>\n

    Chroniclers of the time report that A\u00efcha bint Ahmad bin Muhammad bin Q\u00e2dim al-Qurtubiyya (d. 1009), from a famous family of scholars in Cordoba, was one of the great minds to shine in Andalusia. A poetess during the reign of Al-Mans\u00fbr (714-775) and his sons, she is also renowned for her mastery of the art of calligraphy. In particular, she produced several copies of the Qur\u2019an.<\/p>\n

    Sudan\u00ee<\/em> (10th<\/sup> century)<\/span><\/h5>\n

    Sudan\u00ee<\/em> calligraphy is a style developed in West Africa. It is characterized by fluid strokes, gentle curves and ornate lettering, while incorporating local artistic elements. Used for religious texts, poems and administrative documents, it expresses the culture and art of West Africa through a variety of calligraphic styles: al-s\u00fbq\u00ee<\/em>, al-sahr\u00e2w\u00ee<\/em>, al-haws\u00ee , al-maghrib\u00ee<\/em> and al-charq\u00ee<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Alms-measuring cup (Mudd) with calligraphic inscriptions<\/strong>
    Date of manufacture: 1504
    Mohamed Ibn Abderahman
    Copper
    ADLANIA Foundation, Objects, OBJ-3060<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

    <\/div>
    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Page from a copy of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Sura IX 83-84
    Style: K\u00fbf\u00ee qayraw\u00e2n\u00ee
    Paper, 13 x 9,5
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-180<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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    Manuscript of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Sura II 72-76
    Style: Sud\u00e2n\u00ee
    Paper, 20 x 16 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-118<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Collection of Hadiths (sayings of the Prophet)<\/strong>
    Al-Bukh\u00e2r\u00ee, al-J\u00e2mi’ al-Sah\u00eeh
    Tunisia, 14th century
    Style: Maghrib\u00ee
    Paper, 21 x 19 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-199<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>

    2.2 Founding masters<\/span><\/h4>\n

    Al-Jazar\u00ee al-Saqqa (1185-1256) was an Arab calligrapher born in Cordoba. He is known for his role in the development of the Maghribi<\/em> style and for his calligraphic compositions. He was also an expert in the art of composing the inks and colors used in Arabic writing. He perfected his own ink blends, experimenting with the use of various pigments to obtain specific shades.<\/p>\n

    Al-Sharaf\u00ee (circa 1266-1323) was an eminent Maghrebian calligrapher of the Marinid period. He is renowned for his significant contributions to the Maghribi Andalusian school. His calligraphic style is renowned for its refinement and complex decorative elements. <\/p>\n

    Muhammad as-Souf\u00ee (13th<\/sup> century) lived in the Valencia region of Spain. He bequeathed to posterity a manuscript of the Qur\u2019an, calligraphed and enriched with beautiful illuminations, dated 1285, whose distinctive feature is that the titles of certain suras differ from those used in the standard version of the Qur\u2019an.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

    <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>
    \"\"<\/div><\/div>

    Manuscript of the Qur\u2019an<\/strong>
    Suras CIX to CXIV with colophon
    1558
    Copyist: Abd All\u00e2h al-S\u016bf\u012b
    Style: Maghrib\u00ee
    Paper, 22,5 x 18 cm
    ADLANIA Foundation, Manuscripts, MAN-123<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/section>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1568","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1568","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1568"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1568\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/calligraphie.adlania.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1568"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}