Information Package / Course Catalogue
Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works
Course Code: İST509
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 5
Objectives of the Course

To be able to analyze inscriptions and calligraphic works by using their historical context together with formal and aesthetic criteria.

Course Content

Aesthetic examination of script types, composition (istif), proportion, rhythm, balance, material, and historical stylistic features in inscriptions and calligraphic works.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the fundamental concepts and historical development of the field of Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works.
2.Defines the primary works, sources, and examples covered within the scope of Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works.
3.Analyzes the examples related to the Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works in terms of form, technique, function, and style.
4.Evaluates the topics of Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works comparatively within their historical and cultural contexts.
5.Presents an independent, source-based research on the Aesthetic Analysis of Inscriptions and Calligraphic Works, observing academic ethical principles.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Alparslan, A. (1999). History of Ottoman Calligraphy. Yapı Kredi Publications.
2.Derman, M. U. (1992). Turkish Calligraphy. Türkiye Diyanet Vakfı Publications.
3.Serin, M. (2003). The Art of Calligraphy and Famous Calligraphers. Kubbealtı Neşriyatı.
4.Derman, M. U. (1997). Calligraphy (Hat). In TDV Encyclopedia of Islam (Vol. 16, pp. 396-407). TDV Center for Islamic Studies.
5.Tanman, M. B. (2002). Inscription: Inscription in Architecture (Kitâbe: Mimaride kitâbe). In TDV Encyclopedia of Islam (Vol. 26, pp. 48-52). TDV Center for Islamic Studies.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Introduction to inscriptions and the art of calligraphy.
Week 2 - Theoretical
Concepts of epigraphy and paleography.
Week 3 - Theoretical
Early period Islamic script.
Week 4 - Theoretical
Kufic script and architectural applications.
Week 5 - Theoretical
Aqlam-i Sittah (the six pens) and calligraphy styles.
Week 6 - Theoretical
Jali Thuluth script and architectural inscriptions.
Week 7 - Theoretical
Ta'liq and Nasta'liq examples.
Week 8 - Theoretical
Anatomy of letters and proportion.
Week 9 - Theoretical
Composition (istif) and compositional principles.
Week 10 - Theoretical
Rhythm, balance, hierarchy, and emphasis.
Week 11 - Theoretical
Calligraphy on stone, tile, wood, and paper.
Week 12 - Theoretical
Text and context in inscriptions.
Week 13 - Theoretical
Comparative analysis of selected works.
Week 14 - Theoretical
Student analyses and evaluation.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Quiz1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory145070
Assignment142028
Midterm Examination114014
Final Examination114014
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)126
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
OÇ-1
4
4
3
4
4
4
OÇ-2
4
4
4
4
4
4
OÇ-3
3
3
4
4
3
4
OÇ-4
4
4
4
5
4
4
OÇ-5
4
4
4
4
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026