Calligraphy 

Calligraphy is the fruit of the relationship between the written word and spirituality in the Islamic world. From the earliest Islamic times, all of the resources of the calligrapher and his fellow draftsmen were called into play to write and ornament the Qur’an.  

The art of calligraphy is the art of proportion. Pieces are composed of a few lines, sometimes just one sentence or one word, adorned with floral ornamentation in the style of miniature paintings.  

The art of calligraphy and illumination can be found across the Islamic world, but Afghanistan has a particularly rich and significant calligraphic heritage. In the 16th century, Herat was the capital of the Timurid Empire and became the centre of the finest manuscript production in the Islamic world. Rulers such as Shah Rukh and Sultan Husayn Bayqarah gathered together painters, illumination artists and calligraphers at their courts to produce some of the world’s finest miniature paintings and illuminated manuscripts. 

Inspired by poetry, religion, and culture, a new generation of Afghan calligraphers is showing exceptional innovation and creativity. The Turquoise Mountain’s Centre for Traditional Afghan Arts and Architecture has a School of Calligraphy and Miniature Painting with over twenty students of all ages. Young men and women use traditional methods, including a piece of trimmed reed (called qalam or pen in Arabic), carbon ink  (davat), and colours made with lapis lazuli and other natural materials. Master calligraphers (ustads) train them in the various calligraphic scripts and encourage them to produce works of contemporary relevance and timeless beauty.

The principal calligraphic scripts are described in detail on the Graphics Arts page of our website. 

Discover the contemporary creations of Afghan calligraphy artists by visiting the Turquoise Mountain gallery.