Reference Work 2013
Calligraphy and Architecture in the Muslim World
Explores the myriad interactions between calligraphy and architecture throughout the history of the Muslim world
This major reference work focuses on architectural
inscriptions through the Muslim world, some going back to the
Middle Ages, others dating from our own lifetime.
From Spain to China, and from the Middle Ages to our
own lifetime, Islamic architecture and calligraphy are
inexorably intertwined. Mosques, dervish lodges, mausolea,
libraries, even baths and market places bear masterpieces of
calligraphy that rival the most refined of books and
scrolls.
- What were the purposes of these inscriptions?
- How do they infuse buildings with culturally specific meanings, sacred or profane?
- What do they add to architectural design?
- What sorts of materials were used, and how do they interact with light and space?
- Who were their patrons, and what do we know about the artists who produced them?
Find out with this exciting new collection edited by a
stellar cast of international contributors.
Key Features
- 30 case studies explain different aspects and contexts of calligraphy in Islamic architecture
- Geographically wide-ranging – covers North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, China and Spain
- Takes an interdisciplinary approach to analysing calligraphy as part of its larger spatial-architectural context
- Lavishly illustrated with 400 colour images
Contributors include
- Süleyman Berk, Assistant Professor at the Department of Theology in Yalova University. Berk received the Turkish Cultural Ministry’s ‘Calligraphy Award’ in 2001 and ‘Calligrapher Identity Card’ in 2005.
- Sheila S. Blair, Norma Jean Calderwood University Professorship of Islamic and Asian Art at Boston College and Hamad bin Khalifa Endowed Chair in Islamic Art at Virginia Commonwealth University.
- Johanna Blayac, historian trained in the historiography, numismatics and epigraphy of the medieval Muslim world, Teaching Assistant at the Arabic Studies Department of the University Paris 8 Saint-Denis and associated to the Centre of South Asian Studies (CNRS-EHESS, Paris).
- M. Uğur Derman, Honorary Professor, Mimar Sinan University and author of 25 books and 500 articles on the history of calligraphy and the art of the book.
- Bernard O’Kane, Professor of Islamic Art and Architecture at the American University in Cairo.
- Ann Shafer, architect and art historian.
- Bahia Shehab, Creative Director with Mi7-Cairo and Associate Professor at the American University in Cairo.
- Murat Sülün, Professor at the Department of Theology in Marmara University, Istanbul.
- Hashim Al-Tawil, art historian and visual artist, and Professor and Chair of the Art History Program at Henry Ford Community College, Michigan (USA).