Image: A medieval Islamic manuscript with a typical pentagonal flap on the front cover. This style of binding was used frequently to provide the reader with a bookmark and added stability and security to the finished work.

Middle Eastern Medieval Manuscripts *Click to advance slides*

Calligrapher’s Tools Writing surfaces: Parchment and paper were the main writing surfaces utilized in the medieval middle east. Paper was introduced to the Arab world from China in the 8th century. Parchment was the preferred material for copying the Qur’an while paper was used for most non-secular manuscripts. Writing implements: Reed pens with either a straight, pointed, or oblique edge were used, depending both on personal preference of the calligrapher and the script being copied. The most typical scribal accessory was a pen box (miqlamah, qalamdan). In the medieval period pen boxes were made of metal (often bronze or silver)." (Gacek, 2010, 1) Inks and paints: Normally carbon or tannin-based inks were used. The quality of these was highly dependent on the precise amounts of ingredients used therein. Inks were often kept in solid form and their recipes were heavily-guarded secrets among scribes. Colors were created from organic sources, such as using saffron or turmeric to create yellow, or copper compounds to create green.

A chapter on pain relief from a manuscript written by Ibn Al Koff (1232-1286 AD). In Arabic. From the Near East Collection at the Yale University Library.

Structure and Binding Supports: Pasteboards were used to provide support for books when laid flat. Binding: Supports were covered with leather binding and the notable pentagonal flap for added integrity. Ruling: To ensure even spacing and straight lines, scribes used a ruling frame called a mistarah. These were made of wood with cords stretched across at regular intervals. The paper was then pressed over the frame and the cords would leave an impression to serve as guidelines. Image: Kitab al-Qanun fi al-tibb / by Abu Ali al-Husayn ibn Abd Allah ibn Sina (Avicenna) (980-1037) From the Yale University Historical Medical Library

A mandrake plant from an Arabic medical manuscript in an Istanbul mosque. (Takouri, 2006, 1)

Textual and Artistic Attributes   Text normally began ¼ of the way down the first page. The empty space above was used for a superscript or headpiece. “In the name of God, the Merciful the Compassionate”….constitutes a standard superscription in most manuscripts." (Gacek, 2) Manuscripts created for important patrons often featured illuminated double-page openings and chapter headings. Copies of the Qur’an were the most heavily illuminated and richly decorated. Persian illuminators preferred lapiz lazuli (a shade of blue) over other colors. Books of poetry and anthologies were favored by illustrators. The Iranian epic Shahnamah (“The Book of Kings”) by Firdawsi was one of the most regularly illustrated texts. (Gacek, 2) Texts were traditionally ended with a colophon that contained author, date, place of transcription…etc. The most common shape of these was an inverted triangle.

Artistic Attributes (cont.) Persian poetry, written in calligraphy on handmade paper. This original fourteenth century leaf is from a calligraphic manuscript of the Divan of Hafiz, ca. 1320-1390. From the Louisville University Library. Common themes in middle eastern illumination included military battles and imperial ceremonies. Muslim illuminators favored elaborate and stylized motifs featuring flowers, foliage, and vegetables. Gold leaf, bound in gum arabic was used to detail more luxurious manuscripts for important patrons. Manuscripts written in Arabic often featured translations to Persian in red ink.

"al-Lubab fi al-Fiqh" [The Essence of Jurisprudence] by Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Mahamili . [The page pictured] is from al-Ansari's commentary on his own abbreviation of the book….There are also several marginal rectangular stamps, which read: "Oh Lord! You are Allah. Make it easy for us to know the meaning of 'There is no god but Allah.' This book is dedicated to the Almighty God by al-Sayyid 'Abd al- Baqi al-Bakri al-Siddiq Sibt al-Husayn.“ Image and description courtesy of the Near East Collection at the Yale University Library.

References Gacek A. (2010). Les Amis de la Reliure d'Art du Canada, Celebrating Scribes, scholars and conservators. An exhibition of arabic, persian, and turkish manuscripts in the McGill Library. 2 pp. Accessed 10 September 2010 from http://www.aracanada.org/activities_exhibitions_national_ISL_2_en.html. Glossary of Terms. (2009). Islamic Medical Manuscripts at the National Library of Medicine. Illuminating the Manuscript Leaves Collection. (2010). University of Louisville Libraries. Accessed 16 September 2010 from http://digital.library.louisville.edu/collections/mss/index.php. Near East Collection: Muslim’s Contributions to Medieval Medicine and Pharmacology: (2009). http://www.library.yale.edu/neareast/exhibitions/exhitmedicine.html Takouri, M. (2006). Surgical, medical and anesthesia in the Middle East: Notes on Ancient and medieval practice with reference to Islamic-Arabic medicine. The Internet Jounal of Health 5(1). Accessed 14 September 2010 from http://www.ispub.com/journal/the_internet_journal_of_health/volume_5_number_1_17/article_printable/surgical_medical_and_anesthesia_in_the_middle_east_notes_on_ancient_and_medieval_practice_with_reference_to_islamic_arabic_medicine.html.