MEDIEVAL EPIGRAPHY OF THE VILLAGE OF KHNOV (XI-XV CENTURIES): NEW DATA

Abstract

The history of studying the rich epigraphic heritage of the ancient Dagestani village of Khnov dates back more than half a century. The vast majority of epigraphic monuments of the village are written in Arabic. Our work on the continuous study of khnovo inscriptions has led to the identification of many previously unknown monuments. The purpose of the article is to present the results of the author's study of medieval inscriptions of the XI–XV centuries. They cover different genres of epigraphy: construction, religious and edifying texts, inscriptions-epitaphs. Previously unknown Kufic inscriptions Dating from palaeographic features within the XI–XII centuries have been identified and introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. With good reason they can be considered the most ancient monuments of Kufic script from Knova. A newly discovered inscription of the XIV–XV centuries testifies to the early existence of the minaret in Hnova.
 In addition, we offer a new reading, interpretation or alternative Dating of a number of already known science khnovo inscriptions of the XII–XV centuries. These include the famous inscription from 1401 on the construction of the minaret, Kufic inscriptions of the epigraphic frieze of the mosque of the Western quarter, epitaphs of tombstones of the XIV–XV centuries. It was found that the writing style of Kufic frieze inscriptions differs from each other, which can indicate both the different nature of their creation, and the work of different carvers-calligraphers.