The impact of the Arabic calligraphy in the German literature: the Divan of Johan v. Goethe as an example

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Prof in Glass Department - Faculty of Applied Arts Helwan University

2 Researcher in the field of arts and calligraphy

Abstract

Some people may sometimes confuse Arabic calligraphy with writing and the difference between them. The word calligraphy is a term related to Arabic calligraphy that Muslims invented and developed, different styles and different types of literal drawings are governed by rules established by calligraphers and they developed them over time until they settled on their current form known, which are six main lines .
In order for us to know Arabic calligraphy, we will find that the word calligraphy means "calligraphy by the pen, that is, books," as well as in other civilizations.
As for when we say Arabic calligraphy, here we define and allocate more to this definition and connect the calligraphy to Arabic. It means drawing beautiful Arabic letters to draw out in an artistic way that shows consistency, convergence, flow, and integration.
The Arabic calligraphy structures have a unique aesthetic character that fascinates the viewer, even if their texts cannot be understood. This is one of the aesthetic features that have crossed this linguistic and cultural boundaries and taken it to the world. In the art of Arabic calligraphy, flexibility and dynamism has put it since ancient times in a permanent dialogue with other arts, especially architecture, sculpture and modern plastic arts. In the formation of Islamic art, Muslims relied on the arts of other nations' civilizations
Pictures were widespread in Christian art and prohibited in Islam, so writing in Arabic script replaced it
Arabic manuscripts, antiques, and ornate artifacts such as textiles, ceramics, and glass, which were transmitted to Europe in recent centuries, had a role in the definition and publication of Arabic calligraphy. German culture was not in its European dimension in isolation from being influenced by the aesthetic and symbolic components of Arabic calligraphy. This influence was evident in the arts of drawing, literature, and philosophical theorization, which prompted the great German poet Von Goethe, to praise Arabic calligraphy and try to learn Arabic writing. This research sheds light on the history of Arabic calligraphy in Germany and the aspects of its handling in German literature.

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