Islamic Art Studies

Islamic Art Studies

The spirituality of Islamic mysticism in the art of calligraphy with an emphasis on the inscriptions of Isfahan Jame Mosque

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Moamer Espahich 1
Ali Asghar Fahimifar 2
Mohammad farid Khodarahmi 3
1 PhD. student of Art Research, Faculty of Arts, Modares University of Education, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Modares University of Education, Tehran, Iran
3 Instructor, Faculty of Arts, Modares University of Education, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/ias.2023.397181.2201
Abstract
Islamic calligraphy is one of the arts that, from ancient times to the present day, has had numerous adherents in the East and even in the art history of the Middle Ages in the West. This art, more than any other, has been associated with mystical and philosophical approaches, and in most of its formal and content characteristics, it reflects the symbols and teachings of mysticism and the social influence of mystics. The esoteric view and the acceptance of sanctity and spirituality for letters and words in this sacred art, which is most influenced by the mystics' approach to the issue of letters, have formed an important part of the connection between calligraphy and Islamic mysticism. Therefore, the essence of the art of calligraphy is accompanied by a mystical state and brings spirituality to humans. In this regard, the present research, using a descriptive and library method, examines the position of Islamic calligraphy in mysticism and its reflection in the inscriptions of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan. The findings indicate that from this period onward, the relationship between mysticism and calligraphy is defined like the relationship between spirit and body. The art of calligraphy, which has been used to convey the divine message, possesses a special sanctity and centrality, and on the other hand, plays a pivotal role in shaping the category of art and the foundations of Islamic mysticism. In the inscriptions of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, calligraphy also holds an important place in the decorations of the building.
Research Objectives:


Examining the role of the spirituality of Islamic mysticism in the art of calligraphy.


Examining the role of the spirituality of Islamic mysticism in the art of calligraphy in the inscriptions of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan.


Research Questions:


How is the spirituality of Islamic mysticism manifested in the art of calligraphy?


How is the spirituality of Islamic mysticism manifested in the art of calligraphy in the inscriptions of the Jameh Mosque of Isfahan?
Keywords
Art
Calligraphy
Islamic Calligraphy
Mysticism

Subjects

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