Hello everybody ...
ive opend this thread specially for those whom always
ask about tattoos/arabic words/ arabic calligraphy in general.
personally i dont agree with making tattoos ..
its not healthy nor safety in my opinion as long its just an short term
tattoo which fades after couple of baths and not long lasting one
anyway ... as a graphic designer student i must talk about
arabic calligraphy and show you all some art works i collect from the net,
i hope you like them and also i hope if anyone have a questions
about arabic words or tattoos ask it here so we`ll clear up the
meaning of every word u find or like before u decide to make
or use those words or tattood ...
Introduction & History:
Islamic calligraphy, colloquially known as Arabic calligraphy,
is the art of artistic handwriting, or calligraphy, and by extension, of bookmaking.
This art, associated with Islam, has most often employed
the Arabic script, throughout many languages including Arabic.
Calligraphy is especially revered among Islamic arts since
it was the primary means for the preservation of the Qur'an.
The work of calligraphers was collected and appreciated.
Consideration of figurative art as idolatrous led to calligraphy
and abstract figures becoming the main forms of artistic
expression in Islamic cultures.
Arabic, Persian and Ottoman Turkish calligraphy is associated
with geometric Islamic art (the Arabesque) on the walls and
ceilings of mosques as well as on the page.
Contemporary artists in the Islamic world draw on the heritage of
calligraphy to use calligraphic inscriptions or abstractions in their work.
It is usually very complex, however; it is well known over the world.
Role in Islamic culture:
Calligraphy has arguably become the most venerated form of
Islamic art because it provides a link between the languages
of the Muslims with the religion of Islam.
The holy book of Islam, the Qur'an, has played an important role
in the development and evolution of the Arabic language, and by
extension, calligraphy in the Arabic alphabet.
Proverbs and complete passages from the Qur'an are still active sources
for Islamic calligraphy.
The Arabic alphabet consists of 28 letters and 18 different forms of writing.
The Diwani script :
الخط الديواني
is a cursive style of Arabic calligraphy developed during the reign
of the early Ottoman Turks (16th and early 17th centuries).
It was invented by Housam Roumi and reached its height of popularity
under Süleyman I the Magnificent (1520–66).
As decorative as it was communicative,
Diwani : was distinguished by the complexity of the line within the letter
and the close juxtaposition of the letters within the word.
A variation of the Diwani, the Diwani Al Jali, is characterized by its abundance
of diacritical and ornamental marks.
Finally, the most common script for everyday use is Ruq'ah
(also known as Riq'a).
Simple and easy to write, its movements are small, without much amplitude.
It is the one most commonly seen.
It is considered a step up from Naskh script, which children are taught first.
In later grades they are introduced to Ruq'ah. خط الرقعة
In China, a calligraphic form called Sini has been developed.
This form has evident influences from Chinese calligraphy,
using a horsehair brush as opposed to the standard reed pen.
A famous modern calligrapher in this tradition is
Hajji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang.
Instruments and media :
The traditional instrument of the Arabic calligrapher is the qalam, القلم
a pen made of dried reed or bamboo; the ink is often in color,
and chosen such that its intensity can vary greatly,
so that the greater strokes of the compositions can be very dynamic in their effect.
A variety of media were employed for presenting calligraphy.
Before the advent of paper, papyrus and parchment were used for writing.
The advent of paper revolutionized calligraphy.
While monasteries in Europe treasured a few dozen volumes,
libraries in the Muslim world regularly contained hundreds
and even thousands of volumes of books.
Another medium for calligraphy were coins. Beginning in 692,
the Islamic caliphate reformed the coinage of the Near East
by replacing visual depiction by words.
This was especially true for dinars, or gold coins of high value.
Generally the coins were inscribed with quotes from the Qur'an.
By the tenth century, the Persians, who had converted to Islam,
began weaving inscriptions on to elaborately patterned silks.
So precious were calligraphic inscribed textile, that Crusaders
brought them to Europe as prized possessions.
A notable example is the Shroud of St. Josse, used to wrap
the bones of St. Josse in the abbey of St. Josse-sur-Mer near
Caen in northwestern France.
Mosque calligraphy:
Islamic Mosque calligraphy is a style of calligraphy that
can be found in and out of any mosque.
It is considered to be part of Islamic art, more specifically Arabesque.
Arabesque is a form of Islamic art known for its repetitive geometric forms
creating beautiful decorations.
These geometric shapes often include Arabic calligraphy written
on walls and ceilings inside and outside of mosques.
The subject of these writings can be derived from different sources in Islam.
It can be derived from the written words of Qur'an or from the oral traditions
relating to the words and deeds of Islamic Prophet Muhammad.
Commonly used in mosques:
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
is the most common phrase found in mosques.
It is a beautiful poetic Arabic phrase which offers both
deep insight and brilliant inspiration.
It has often been said that the phrase the true essence of the entire Quran,
as well as the true essence of all religions. Its meaning is pure and spiritual.
It means: "In the name of God, most Gracious, most Compassionate"
Allah & Muhammad
Allah is Arabic for one god and Muhammad is the last prophet in Islam.
Both Allah and Muhammad are almost always found inside mosques as a reminder of the religion's main beliefs.
here is a picture that shows allah word in
[Edirne eski cami in turkey]
gallery :
samples of arabic script & styles ...
what is written in that script is a sentence that means :
script is the tongue of the hand
and here is some random samples ...
continue ...