TEHRAN - Qazvin, a city with a rich cultural heritage, has long been celebrated as Iran’s capital of calligraphy.

For centuries, many of its monuments and mansions have been adorned with exquisite calligraphic works, showcasing the city’s deep connection to this ancient art form.

Moreover, calligraphy in Qazvin has been used traditionally to inscribe copies of the holy Quran, poetic verses, and the wise sayings of elders.

The roots of calligraphy’s prosperity in Qazvin can be traced back to the 11th and 12th centuries, with the art flourishing during the Safavid era (1501-1722).

Qazvin became a hub for the development of various calligraphic styles, many of which have had a lasting influence on Iranian art and culture. Of the traditional styles, only Nastaliq, Shekasteh-Nastaliq, Naskh, and Sols are still practiced today in Iran.

Qazvin has produced many of Iran’s most renowned calligraphers, including Mir Emad Qazvini, a master of the Safavid era whose works are internationally acclaimed. Other prominent figures include Mirza Zeinolabeddin Mujeznegar of the Zand era, and Malek Mohammad and Mirza Mohammad Hossein Seifi Qazvini (known as Emadolketab) from the Qajar era. Each of these masters contributed to the refinement of calligraphy, developing unique styles that have left a lasting impact on the art.

Nowadays, the legacy of Qazvin’s calligraphy continues to be celebrated, making the city a symbol of Iran’s rich artistic tradition and cultural history.

AM