Islamic Period Inscriptions
Aramaic script existed in the north of Arabian Peninsula from which
developed various branches of writings interconnected with each
other, such as Nabataean & Neo-Semitic, from which later developed
Arabic writing. With the advent of Islam and the Holy Qu'ran in
the Arabic language, Arabic developed and was spread more rapidly
all over the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamic world.
The art of Arabic writing has long been associated with Islamic
art and calligraphy. There were special schools that taught Arabic
calligraphy. Arabic calligraphy is unique in the world due to its
complexity and beauty, allowing for a great range of artistic creativity.
Archeologists and historians depend heavily on the study of writings
found on rocks, inscribed building stones or markers, and on the
rock faces of hillsides. Such inscriptions provide valuable insight
into the history, culture and social values of the early Islamic
period.
The first school of Arabic writing and calligraphy developed in
the two Holy cities of Makkah and Medinah. The two well known scripts
which were developed in Makkah and Medina were known as Makki and
Madani scripts. These appeared long before the Kufi script and during
the first century Hegra; the Arabic was written in two different
styles known as Hard Kufi and Soft Kufi. The present form of Arabic
writing with dots and signs developed around 2nd century Hegra (8th
century AD).
After a period Arabian calligraphy developed further and decorations
were added to the text. Many examples of this development are found
in the form of foundations of milestones (on the pilgrimage routes),
dams, forts, castles, watch towers, mosques, tombstones (name of
persons, and the dates of death of people inscribed)—as well as
Quranic verses and poetry. These inscriptions also provide us with
the evidence of the development of Arabic writing, the art of calligraphy,
and the decorative patterns in different periods. In addition, the
examination of these objects gives us valuable insight into the
history of the people.
The archaeologists and historians depend heavily on the inscriptions
engraved on the rocks and hills, which provide valuable information
on the history, culture and social values of early Islamic period.
Kufi Script (1-11) >>
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