The Analysis of Square Kufic Calligraphy at Some Historical Buildings of Istanbul After the Classical Period of Mimar Sinan Until the Republic Era

Abstract

Since the dissemination of Islamic art in Central Asia, square kufic calligraphy has held a significant place in the identity of Islamic architecture. Despite its earlier usage in Anatolia, it was rarely employed in Ottoman structures. Consequently, the square kufic script failed to become a prominent feature in mainstream calligraphy education or certification culture. Due to the lack of an education tradition and the abstract nature of the script, square kufic calligraphy poses challenges to readability. Nonetheless, there has been a growing interest in square kufic calligraphy in contemporary times, owing to its compatibility with modern aesthetics. The absence of a formalized education system has resulted in erroneous works during restoration or new designs. Consequently, there is a pressing need for scholarly research, documentation of historical examples, and detailed analysis of readings and compositions in this field. This article examines historical square kufic script examples in Istanbul’s historical buildings from the post-Mimar Sinan period to the beginning of the republic era. It provides detailed readings of the compositions, identifies any spelling errors, including missing or superfluous parts, and aims to offer corrective suggestions to prevent the recurrence of erroneous compositions in the future.