CALLIGRAPHY, AESTHETICS AND CULTURAL IDENTITY: QUALITATIVE EXPLORATION OF CHRISTIAN AND MUSLIM ILLUSTRATED MANUSCRIPTS

Abstract

The study delves into calligraphic illustrated manuscripts with a focus on both Western and Eastern cultures during medieval times exploring the evolution and creative potential of calligraphy as an ornamentation form across different regions and historical periods. This qualitative research primarily examines calligraphic manuscripts from Arabic to the Abbasid, and Omayyad, addressing key questions regarding the development of illumination art and calligraphy, connections between Christian and Muslim manuscripts, and the distinctions between Islamic Calligraphy and biblical typography. The data was collected by employing the qualitative method through conducting 4 in-depth interviews, with 2 traditional and 2 contemporary calligraphers, and 15 online open-ended questionnaires with the calligraphers. Also, Christian and Muslim illustrated manuscripts were analyzed through the discourse analysis method. This research findings shed light on the complex relationship between calligraphy, culture, and aesthetics, offering a comprehensive exploration of this intricate art form's significance and evolution. The study contributes valuable insights to the literature on calligraphy manuscripts, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of calligraphy's history and conceptual ties as an aesthetic art form.