Reasons of Calligraphy Evolution and its relation with Iranian Identity in Timurid Period

Various aspects of art such as painting, architecture, illumination, bookbinding, woodcarving, mosaic (Moarraq) and book decoration had such a splendid development during Timurid Period (771-912 AH/1370-1506 AD) which it has been known as the age of art prosperity. The aim of this article is to study the artistic genre of calligraphy according to documents and sources based on descriptive-analytical approach. Patronage and interests of Timurid princes, nobility investments, enjoyment from experiences of artistic and scientific centers of Ilkhanid era, and the importance of learning this genre of art, along with political, cultural and social function of calligraphers and various usage of calligraphy paved the way for its evolution in Timurid period.Yet the important accomplishment of calligraphy in 9th century was its relation with Iranian identity and its characteristics. The extent of Persian literature (verse and prose works) during 7th and 9th century is one of the reason that made Iranian feel the necessity of having special handwriting on their own and independent of Arabic handwriting. Innovation and evolution of Taliq, Shekasteh Taliq and specially Nastaliq during 8th and 9th century and its relation with Iranian and Islamic cultural characteristics such as Persian poem, language and literature, Shiite faith made calligraphy one of the main characteristics of Iranian identity.