Nastaliq Calligraphy on Lahore Architecture at the mid-19th. Comparative Study on Architecture of Iran

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Islamic department, faculty of archeology, Cairo university

Abstract

Abstract:
Nastaliq gain a respectable notice in Iran, Turkey, India including subcontinent, and Arab world (Egypt, Syria, and Baghdad). Starting from the very minimum size used in miniature paintings to Jali size applied on architecture. Nastaliq raised and used a lot in different manners because of its unique letter style; but at the same time there is still a hidden style representing the local Nastaliq related to the subcontinent region; this local style represents a new test which we can found in Lahore city at the second mid of 19c. . Although the small numbers of architecture founded in Lahore used Nastaliq inscriptions in Lahori style - for political reasons - but it deserves to be studied, and the calligrapher of this period be given credit for this new calligraphy style to recognize their work.
Research problem:
Nastaliq has a huge history; having started from Taliq calligraphy in Iran, developing from it to create a new shape in Iran also; then started to move around the world and through this movement of Nastaliq it spread in different styles and shapes. Thus, this paper will aim to reveal the Lahori Nastaliq style, which represented a new style from the original Nastaliq which spread in Afghanistan and Pakistan by the influence of India on the subcontinent region.
This paper refer to the new style applied on architecture in Lahore, with comparative study with Nastaliq in Iran to distinguish the Iranian Nastaliq style and the local one on architecture during British colonization. Obviously what was written on this subject represent paragraph or two maximum, which led to undervaluing of the Lahori style as a real and effective style. So, I found myself attracted to study this style, and compare it with the original and the influenced one in India.
Research objective:
This paper aims to shed some light on a few of the differences between Lahori Nastaliq style on architecture, and the original base of Iranian Nastaliq style at the same period.
Research methodology:
This research will trace the Nastaliq style on architecture in Lahore at the mid and late of 19C., by tracing the calligrapher role on architecture and their work on Lahore, combined with a brief history of Nastaliq calligraphy styles, Lahore cultural, architecture and political history, additional to a comparative study with Iranian Nastaliq to reveal the difference between both styles.

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Main Subjects


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