Islamic Calligraphy in the Nasta`liq style

This is a sixteenth century example of calligraphy. It is an extract from an ethical-philosophical poem by the fifteenth century Mir Haydar Khwarizmi, entitled, 'Makhzan al-Asrar', or 'The Storehouse of Mysteries'. The passage deals with mystical reflections on speech. The text is written at an angle in the Nastaliq style in the Chaghatay Turkish language. Such examples of calligraphy were very popular in the Islamic East. They were made into albums, given as treasured presents or frequently used as a decoration, compelling the viewer to pious thoughts. They sometimes played a role similar to a Christian icon.