"I don’t believe it was intended to be intelligible to someone standing in the room, even if they had time on their hands: once more we find text the purpose of which is simply to be there and work its magic, not be read."
While reading this - and having seen Islamic script like this in other venerable old buildings in Europe and in museums - I always wondered what I'm missing out on, not knowing Arabic or Arabic letters. (I only recognize الله for Allah) On one hand, it sounds like I'm missing a lot. But on the other hand some parts I would be experiencing almost exactly as intended, if what you say here reflects the actual intent. (Of course the artist wouldn't have intended complete unintelligibility: but maybe a comprehensible word, or set of words, flashing in one's mind while walking down the hallway; it's a great way to stimulate thought) I haven't been to the Alhambra yet, but look forward to going one day.
It's not that unintelligibility is intended, but that intelligibility is not a consideration. I've discussed this more at length earlie rin the series, but basically as the words are not there to convey new information but for their talismanic or Divine properties, and literacy in that period was not taken for granted, there was no attempt to make them legible or even visible in the architecture.
I can't recommend it enough. It truly should not be missed.
What a fascinating study of a sublime place. And your final note deepens the lesson. Thank you!
Thank you for reading!
So beautiful
"I don’t believe it was intended to be intelligible to someone standing in the room, even if they had time on their hands: once more we find text the purpose of which is simply to be there and work its magic, not be read."
While reading this - and having seen Islamic script like this in other venerable old buildings in Europe and in museums - I always wondered what I'm missing out on, not knowing Arabic or Arabic letters. (I only recognize الله for Allah) On one hand, it sounds like I'm missing a lot. But on the other hand some parts I would be experiencing almost exactly as intended, if what you say here reflects the actual intent. (Of course the artist wouldn't have intended complete unintelligibility: but maybe a comprehensible word, or set of words, flashing in one's mind while walking down the hallway; it's a great way to stimulate thought) I haven't been to the Alhambra yet, but look forward to going one day.
It's not that unintelligibility is intended, but that intelligibility is not a consideration. I've discussed this more at length earlie rin the series, but basically as the words are not there to convey new information but for their talismanic or Divine properties, and literacy in that period was not taken for granted, there was no attempt to make them legible or even visible in the architecture.
I can't recommend it enough. It truly should not be missed.
Wow what a wonderfully detailed study. And thanks so much for linking to my article Joumana, I really appreciate it!
My pleasure!
Thank you Jumana🙏🏼your contribution to understanding islamic art is so precious🧡
My pleasure!