An Examination of the Visual and Geometric Features of Kufic Banna’i Script in the Inscriptions of the Abbasi Jameh Mosque of Isfahan During the Safavid Era

Abstract

In Safavid-era architecture, inscriptions were used not only for their visual beauty but also for the transcription of texts. Artists employed different calligraphic styles based on the function of the script and its thematic content. This study examines the visual and geometric characteristics of Kufic Banna’i script, which was invented by devout Iranian builders and has been observed throughout different historical periods. The focus is on its application in the inscriptions of the Abbasi Jameh Mosque of Isfahan during the Safavid period. The objectives of this article include analyzing the visual and geometric features of Kufic Banna’i script in the mosque’s inscriptions and exploring its role in culture and art, considering the diversity of themes and its function in inscriptions of that era. This research follows a descriptive-analytical method, based on library studies and field investigations, with a specific focus on the Safavid period. The analysis of the mosque’s inscriptions involves identifying the features of Kufic Banna’i script, different types of Banna’i scripts, and their specific use in the inscriptions. The study raises key questions: How was Kufic Banna’i script utilized as a decorative element in the inscriptions of the Abbasi Jameh Mosque of Isfahan during the Safavid period, and what impact did it have on the aesthetic and artistic value of the monument? Furthermore, how can the influence of breaking the conventional rules of Kufic Banna’i script in these inscriptions be assessed in relation to the transformation of this script? The findings of this study indicate that Kufic Banna’i script in the inscriptions of the Abbasi Jameh Mosque of Isfahan, apart from its visual appeal, played a significant role in conveying both religious and non-religious texts. The breaking of traditional Banna’i script structures and the diversity of script forms during the Safavid period highlight the artistic and architectural prominence of this era. The origins of Banna’i script date back to pre-Islamic times, and its continuous presence can be observed throughout the Islamic period in remarkable artistic expressions.