The Effect of Ottoman Calligraphy on Arabic Grammar

Focusing on the relationship between calligraphy and Arabic writing, this paper studies the effect of Ottoman calligraphy on Arabic grammar. It also deals with the rules of Ottoman calligraphy, mentioning some of its forms and modifications. The paper, moreover, studies the relationship between Quranic readings and Ottoman calligraphy as well as between grammatical mistakes and calligraphy and word play.
Quranic calligraphy did not differ from common calligraphy during the Prophet's times. Modifications of Arabic calligraphy took place afterwards. Linguists accepted the modifications that Ottoman calligraphy has undergone; however, they have disagreed, both in the past and recently, over Quranic writing using modern rules. Some totally rejected the new writing; some mildly accepted it; some others thought it should be adopted. Ottoman calligraphy was not consistent; some words were in one place in one form and spelled differently in another place. Moreover, Ottoman calligraphy was influenced by different linguistic schools and there are differences between Bousris and Koufis in Quranic calligraphy.
Ottoman calligraphy has exclusive advantages, including specification of different readings; supporting the right recitation; preservation of the Quran and shielding against deviation and change, with the result of every generation handing over the same form of the Quran, leading to unanimity of writing and pronunciation. Other advantages include the provision of information about some forms of Standard Arabic and indexing the origin of the letters and sounds in the words.