Diwani

This article is about Ottoman variant of calligraphy. For Diwani (the right to collect revenue), or for the bureaucratic title in various Islamic countries and in the Punjab region, see Dewan.

Diwani is a calligraphic variety of Arabic script, a cursive style developed during the reign of the early Ottoman Turks (16th century - early 17th century). It reached its height of popularity under Süleyman I the Magnificent (1520–1566).

Diwani calligraphy by Kazasker Mustafa Izzet Efendi

It was labeled the Diwani script because it was used in the Ottoman diwan and was one of the secrets of the sultan's palace. The rules of this script were not known to everyone, but confined to its masters and a few bright students. It was used in the writing of all royal decrees, endowments, and resolutions. A Diwani text adorned with a tugrah, a complex calligraphic seal, represented the authority of the Sultan and the Ottoman state.

The Diwani script can be divided into two types:

1. The Riq`a Diwani style, which is devoid of any decorations and whose lines are straight, except for the lower parts of the letters.
2. The Jeli Diwani or clear style. This kind of handwriting is distinguished by the intertwining of its letters and its straight lines from top to bottom. It is punctuated and decorated to appear as one piece. The Diwani handwriting is known for the intertwining of its letters, which makes it very difficult to read or write, and difficult to forge.

Jeli Diwani font

Diwani is marked by beauty and harmony, and accurate small samples are considered more beautiful than larger ones. It is still used in the correspondence of kings, princes, presidents, and in ceremonies and greeting cards, and has a high artistic value.

See also

• Islamic calligraphy
• Kufic