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Square Kufic Resource

Academic research papers, articles and insights

In the realm of Islamic arts and its geopolitical influences, substantial research has been conducted over the years. However, until the twenty-first century, the Square Kufic art form remained largely overlooked. Nonetheless, as traditional art forms regain popularity in recent times, there has been a notable increase in research devoted to Square Kufic. This newfound attention has been pivotal in unraveling the historical and developmental aspects of this unique script.

Various resources have emerged, shedding light on the Square Kufic script, encompassing its history, applications, materials, art forms, craftsmanship, and transitional evolution. Among these valuable contributions, Tehnyat Majeed’s study delves into the profound aesthetic values associated with the subject, while Mamoun Sakkal’s research provides a comprehensive historical perspective. Moreover, insights from Hadi Minoofam and Azam Bastanfard’s computer engineering research offer a unique angle on the pattern formation of the Square Kufic script. When combined with other sources, these studies collectively strengthen the assertion that Square Kufic is an invaluable form of Arabic typography that merits transformation and renewed attention.

  1. Mamoun Sakkal – University of Washington, 2010
    Square Kufic Calligraphy in Modern Art, Transmission and Transformation; Near and Middle Eastern Studies; PhD dissertation.
  2. Tehnyat Majeed – Oxford University, 2006
    A must read research paper titled: The phenomenon of the Square Kufic script: the cases of Ilkhanid Isfahan and Bahri Mamluk Cairo
  3. Enis Timuçin Tan – University of Wollongong, 1999
    A study of Kufic script in Islamic calligraphy and its relevance to Turkish graphic art using Latin fonts in the late twentieth century
  4. Markus Ritter – Martin Luther University of Halle, 2008
    Monumental Epigraphy in Iran: Paired Panels with Square Kufic Script and Saʿdī Verses in Safavid and Earlier Islamic Architecture
  5. Randa Ismail Taha Negm – Alexandria University, 2022
    The aesthetics of the Arabic Lettrism (square Kufic) and its role in designing the scenic design; Expressive Arts Division; Faculty of Fine Arts
  6. Umberto Bongianino – Edinburgh University Press, 2023
    Notes on Square Kufic Epigraphy in the History of Morocco; In book: Inscriptions of the Medieval Islamic World; Book chapter; Col. Péter T Nagy.
  7. Asghar Javani – Art University of Isfahan, 2016
    Analyzing the Kufic Writings of Qavam al-Din Shirazi’s Architectural Ornamentation in Gazirgah, Herat; Collaboration with Dr Bahman Feizabi
  8. Filiz Tavşan – Karadeniz Technical University, 2017
    The Impact of the Eras and Varieties of Kufic art, on the Placement of Kufic in Architectural Design; Trends and Issues Proceedings on Social Sciences
  9. Joumana Medlej – Calligraphy artist, 2021
    Creative Arabic Calligraphy: Square Kufic as part of a series called Arabic Calligraphy for Beginners; Research article with deep focus on Square Kufic
  10. Seyyed Amir Hadi Minoofam & Bastanfard Ostad – Islamic Azad University-Qazvin Branch, 2010
    Square Kufic Pattern Formation by Asynchronous Cellular Automata; Computer Graphics, PatternFormation, Square Kufic script
  11. Sami Ahmad Abdel Halim Imam – PhD, Mansoura University, 1991
    Geometric Square Kufic Calligraphy – Inscription Ornament in the Mamluk Buildings in Cairo
  12. Sarah Asyikin Abdul Rahim & Nor Azlin Hamidon – Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia, 2022
    Literary Element Order of Square Kufic in Malaysian Modern Paintings
  13. Mohammad G Fallah & Mohammad Sadeq Ekrami – Iranian Architectural Studies, 2023
    Square Kufic inscriptions of the portal of Masjed-e Jame-e ʿAbbāsi of Isfahan: A Survey on historical authenticity
  14. Goli Mohammadi, 2016
    Heirloom Tech: The Ancient Pixels of Banna’i Brickwork
  15. Waleed Ahmed Salah al-Din – Ain Shams University, 2023
    The Geometric Kufic Inscriptions on the Late Mamluk Architecture and Artifacts: A New Perspective Through Some Artifacts
  16. Vincenza Grassi – Historical and Contemporary Perspectives, 2013
    The Never-Ending Story of The Chinese Influence on The Origin of Square Kufic Script in Islam and Globalisation
  17. Khaled Amer Mushatat & Kifah Jumaa Hafedh
    Constructivism in the square Kufic script
  18. Afrooz Rahimi Ariaei, Nima Valibeig & Seyyed Asghar Mahmoodabadi – Iranology, 2019
    The shape typology of Kufic inscriptions in mosques and minarets in Isfahan: The cases of Razi and Azari styles
  19. Nihad Nadam – A multilingual art director, Arabic Digital Artist
    Learn Square Kufic
  20. Aybüke Yılmaz
    Pixels in Islamic Art: Square Kufic Calligraphy
  21. Giulia Gallini – History of Islamic art and architecture.
    The Square Kufic of the Pir-i Bakran Shrine

Please don’t hesitate to share any resources you come across that you find valuable regarding Square Kufic. Whether it’s an article, a research paper, or even a video, we welcome any contributions to enrich our knowledge on this subject. hello@squarekufic.org