Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia

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,...

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Main Authors: Dariyadi, Moch Wahib, Murtadho, Nurul, Huda, Ibnu Samsul, Hassan, Abd Rauf
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2025
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/1/120409.pdf
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author Dariyadi, Moch Wahib
Murtadho, Nurul
Huda, Ibnu Samsul
Hassan, Abd Rauf
author_facet Dariyadi, Moch Wahib
Murtadho, Nurul
Huda, Ibnu Samsul
Hassan, Abd Rauf
author_sort Dariyadi, Moch Wahib
building UPM Institutional Repository
collection Online Access
description 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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institution Universiti Putra Malaysia
institution_category Local University
language English
last_indexed 2025-11-15T14:48:19Z
publishDate 2025
publisher Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
recordtype eprints
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spelling upm-1204092025-10-01T03:16:52Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/ Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia Dariyadi, Moch Wahib Murtadho, Nurul Huda, Ibnu Samsul Hassan, Abd Rauf 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. Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH 2025 Article PeerReviewed text en cc_by_4 http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/1/120409.pdf 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 https://cityterritoryarchitecture.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40410-025-00271-x 10.1186/s40410-025-00271-x
spellingShingle Dariyadi, Moch Wahib
Murtadho, Nurul
Huda, Ibnu Samsul
Hassan, Abd Rauf
Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title_full Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title_fullStr Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title_full_unstemmed Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title_short Arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in Indonesia
title_sort arabic calligraphy as mosque decoration: architectural significance in indonesia
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/
http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/120409/1/120409.pdf