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Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia


Citation

Dariyadi, Moch Wahib and Murtadho, Nurul and Huda, Ibnu Samsul and Hassan, Abd Rauf (2025) Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia. City, Territory and Architecture, 12 (1). art. no. 23. pp. 1-20. ISSN 2195-2701

Abstract

This research investigates the significant role Arabic calligraphy performs in Indonesian mosque building. Arabic calligraphy is valued for both aesthetic and spiritual purposes; it is a required element of Islamic architectural expression. Analyzing the several calligraphic scripts, mostly Thuluth, Kufi, and Naskh, why these letters are chosen, and how they are incorporated into architectural features such domes, mihrabs, minbars, arches, and walls, the study analyzes at Emphasizing case studies of historically and culturally important mosques all throughout Indonesia, including in Java, Aceh, and South Kalimantan, the study employs a qualitative methodology. The results show that Arabic calligraphy not only improves the visual attractiveness of mosque exteriors and interiors but also provides a means of spiritual connection and cultural continuity, therefore preserving the religious identity of Muslim communities.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Divisions: Faculty of Design and Architecture
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40410-025-00271-x
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Keywords: Arabic calligraphy; Indonesia; Kufi; Mosque building; Thuluth
Depositing User: Ms. Zaimah Saiful Yazan
Date Deposited: 01 Oct 2025 03:16
Last Modified: 01 Oct 2025 03:16
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.1186/s40410-025-00271-x
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409
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