The Inscriptions of the Jami Mosque of Naeen

The Buyid period (932-1055, 320-447) is considered as one of the most imperative eras in the history of Persian-Islamic art. The Jami Mosque of Naeen is regarded as one of the most outstanding instances of Buyid architecture dating back to the beginning of 350/962. As the Arabic alphabet replaced the primordial Pahlavi script, calligraphy and inscription writing of the Holy Quran emerged and found its significant place in Islamic art. Hence, a number of Kufic artwork, applied during seven centuries, became a significant features in the ornamentation of mosques, structures and objects. In the present paper, it is sought to study the inscriptions of the Jami Mosque of Naeen. Henceforth, the symmetry between the vertical and horizontal lines with the combination of the letters, the distinctiveness in creating similar letters and the attentiveness to the baseline of the script are all among the principals that an artist will consider when depicting the inscriptions. Furthermore, the addition to this, the application of herbal patterns alongside Kufic inscriptions, similar to those applied in Sassanid art, has added to the beauty of this structure in which it is considered as one of the unique structures of Persian-Islamic art and architecture. The methodology of this paper follows a research, fundamental and qualitative framework and data is collected through library research and direct observation.