Examination of the calligraphy style and visual arrangements of the Grivar inscription in the tomb of the twelve Imams of Yazd

Problem Definition: The Davazdah Imam Mausoleum of Yazd

is one of the oldest buildings with inscriptions in Iran. The Grivar

inscription of this building is Ornamental Kufic, which, unlike the

simple Kufic, does not follow specific rules, and many innovations and

modifications are made in it. Despite the high visual richness, the

mentioned inscription has been deprived of formal analysis, while any

but structured changes of the letters, the acceptance of complex forms,

and additional elements make it worthy of further analysis. The current

research seeks to find the answer to the following question: "what are

the structural, visual, and formal characteristics of the Davazdah Imam

Mausoleum of Yazd, and what rules did the designer establish in its

design?"

Objective: This research aimed at identifying the

structural and visual features of the Grivar inscription, such as

writing style, proportions, and principles used in its composition.

Research Method: The present research was carried out

using a descriptive-analytical method, and the data was collected

through library studies and field surveys.

Results: The results showed that distancing from the

legibility of words, exaggerating the shape of letters and basic

proportions, is a method to achieve beauty and induce concepts beyond

the literal meaning. However, the application of formal changes does not

only mean losing the order and rules of script, but the designer has

established certain principles and policies under the changes, to where

maintaining the independent identity of the letters has been one of the

primary design criteria.