خوشنویسی ایرانی — هنر مقدس کلمه نوشتهشده
Persian calligraphy (Khoshnevisi, خوشنویسی) elevates handwriting to a supreme art form. The four main Persian calligraphic styles are: Naskh (rounded, used for Quran transcription), Nastaliq (the most distinctively Persian style), Shekasteh (broken/cursive Nastaliq, fastest and most flowing), and Diwani (used for official Ottoman documents).
Nastaliq (نستعلیق), developed by Mir Ali Tabrizi in the 15th century and perfected by Sultan-Ali Mashhadi, is considered by many the most beautiful script in any language. Its sweeping diagonal compositions, where thick and thin strokes alternate in complex ligatures, makes it uniquely suited to Persian poetry. Hafez, Rumi, and Saadi are most beautifully presented in Nastaliq.
Persian calligraphy is classified into six classical styles (aqlam-e sitta): Naskh, Thuluth, Muhaqqaq, Reyhan, Rayhani, and Tawqi. Modern Nastaliq became the standard for printed Persian books. Calligraphic artworks — often poems by Hafez or Saadi — remain one of Iran's most treasured art forms, appearing on glass, carved stone, tile, and illuminated paper.
Nastaliq is a distinctively Persian calligraphic style developed in the 15th century, featuring sweeping diagonal compositions with alternating thick and thin strokes. It is considered by many the most elegant writing system in any language.
Mir Ali Tabrizi (15th century) developed Nastaliq, but Sultan-Ali Mashhadi (15th-16th century) is considered its greatest master. Mir Emad Qazvini (17th century) is revered as the 'Seal of Calligraphers'.