Analysis of the design and legibility of the Kufic inscriptions of Hawqalah (La Hawl) in the 10th to 13th centuries AH

Banna’i, also known as Square Kufic or Ma’qili is a script form of the Islamic calligraphy used in the inscriptions of religious places, which have been implemented throughout history with different designs and different dimensions. The earliest surviving example that has been observed so far from the Banna’i Script is the wooden window of the tomb of one of the Imamzadehs(Shrines) in Iran dated 363 A.H. However, the Kufi script evolved in the 5th and 6th centuries A.H due to the flourishing of the art of bricklaying and then tile-making, and in general; during the era of Ilkhani, Timurid and Safavid experienced its peak of prosperity. The famous phrase "Wa La Hawl" or "Hawqala" is also one of the frequent motifs of Banna’i inscriptions; For which various definitions and applications have been mentioned in different sources. The various designs of " Hawqala" masonry inscriptions from the 10th century A.H can be seen in the existing examples of the architectural decorations of Iranian buildings.The number of samples was six, all of which were from Isfahan. However, it seems that, in some cases, including examples designed in the present era, these rules are not properly followed and the letters of the alphabet and Banna’i inscriptions are drawn incorrectly and with an incorrect pattern. One of the reasons for this could be the lack of certain patterns and principles for the design of Kufic script and related inscriptions. The purpose of this research is to know and analyze the design of this expression in the form of Banna’i Kufic and in order to achieve its correct and practical pattern in drawing. In this research, the authors seek to understand the method of designing and gridding of "Hawqala" Banna’i Kufic, and using it for new designs. But here is the question; 1- What designs and rules have been used in the design of the Hawqala? 2- How and in what manner can designs suitable to the architecture of religious buildings be presented? The research method in the current study is descriptive with an analytical approach, and from the point of view of the goal, it is fundamental. The method of collecting information was through library and field observation and the results were presented qualitatively. Different stages of analysis and design of the upcoming research have been done by "Corel Draw" design software. By studying and analyzing the design of selected and widely used architectural inscriptions, we can prevent the prevalence of incorrect drawing and restoration of this line in contemporary inscriptions. The results of the authors' investigation in this research, in addition to the network and analysis of the design of Hawqala Banna’i inscriptions, things such as receiving the type of pattern and the general rule of drawing the Banna’i inscriptions and using the rules of the Banna’i Kufic script design in proposing some new designs for The dimensions, spaces and structures of today's buildings are different and can be used in the restoration and reconstruction of the architectural decorations of historical places or the implementation of new and suggested inscriptions in contemporary buildings.