[Arabic primer of calligraphy]

Copied in A.H. 1269 (A.D. 1852 or 53).

Muhammad Shafiq (died 1879 AD) was a major Ottoman calligrapher, who excelled in his instructional calligraphic pieces. This particular work is one of them. It exhibits the most important features of one of the Arabic calligraphic styles, the naskhi script. As can been seen, it surveys the art of connecting the various Arabic letters with other Arabic letters in a harmonious way, which results, ultimately, in the final beauty of the calligraphic piece. The two opening pages show the type of late Ottoman illumination, revealing the clear European influences. The shown pictures exhibit intricate arabesque floral design, typical of the late Ottoman period. Of interest in this particular manuscript is the binding, which reveals its Islamic origin. Beside the typical flap, which is the hallmark of most cherished Islamic bindings throughout history, the covers are richly gilt in floral decorations echoing the floral design of the opening pages.