\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \pard\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx4896\tx5616\tx6336\tx7056\ATXts240\ATXbrdr0 \f1 \fs24 The beauty of Arab, Persian, and An
dalusian calligraphy has no equal. Illuminated copies of the \b \cf2 \ATXht11108 Koran\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 , compositions in relief on walls, decorated majolica tiles, carved tombstones, and inlays of written texts are among the highest expressions of Islam
ic art. The styles are varied and numerous. The oldest of them is \b \cf2 \ATXht11111 Kufic\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 , with its angular letters, while Tuluth, Muhaqqaq, and Naskhi are harmonious and pointed. Finally there are the ornamental and interlinked Sini s
cript and the more spacious and accentuated Taæliq style. The masters of calligraphy were renowned artists who signed their works and were much sought-after by the courts of the great dynasties.\par
