A Comparative Study of Inscribed Fabrics of the Buyids and Fatimids of Egypt

Fabric, as a material that has always been used during birth, human life, and death, has found various functions in different historical periods, according to the ruling policy of various governments. Prominent examples of the political, social, cultural, and economic use of the art of fabric weaving, were the inscribed fabrics. One of the most important types of inscribed fabrics is known as Tiraz, which, in addition to its aesthetic aspect, has had various political, social, and cultural uses in the Shiite governments of the Buyids and the Fatimid of Egypt. Considering the special feature of this fabric, which has functioned as a medium, these questions are raised what are the role, position, and political, social, cultural, and economic functions of these fabrics during the Buyids and the Fatimid of Egypt? What are the commonalities and differences between the inscribed fabrics of these two periods? The principal purpose of this comparative study was to analyze the role and position of inscribed fabrics and especially, the Tiraz style in the two mentioned periods as a medium. The results indicated that the use of inscriptions with religious and Shiite themes, the utilization of Kufic script and the Arabic language for writing, symmetry, balance in the implantation of decorative motifs, the use of more spiritual topics such as the wish for happiness, and forgiveness are common features. Furthermore, some elements such as weaving techniques, a variety of Kufi calligraphy styles, literary and religious subjects, symbolic motifs, execution methods of writing, and baselines are among the different aspects of the inscription fabrics of these areas. Moreover, based on the shaping approach, it was determined that the studied fabrics were first produced for political and social purposes, then economic and cultural, and served the thoughts of the rulers of the time. This research has been done with descriptive, analytical, comparative, and library methods.