The Impact of Arabic Language and Script on the Medieval Architectural Heritage of Tashkent

Poyan Bakirov; Jaloliddin Yusubov; Nodir Karimov; Yelena Aripova; Laziz Turaev; Shorustam Shomusarov; Sholpan Torgautova

doi:10.48619/ais.v5i1.1082

Poyan Bakirov Termez State University: Termez, Uzbekistan
Jaloliddin Yusubov National University of Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3723-6882
Nodir Karimov Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5127-8713
Yelena Aripova Westminster International University in Tashkent, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0009-0009-8406-6667
Laziz Turaev Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3666-6229
Shorustam Shomusarov Tashkent State U. of Oriental Studies, Uzbekistan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6604-8451
Sholpan Torgautova Scientific Center “History and Ethnology” at M.Auezov SKU. Shymkent, Kazakhstan https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5853-3879

DOI: https://doi.org/10.48619/ais.v5i1.1082

Keywords: Tashkent, the Arabic language, Arabic script, medieval architecture, under the influence of Islam-orientation of historical landmarks, works using Kufic and Naskh scripts, art of decoration, cultural heritage.

Abstract

This paper examines the profound and influential role of the Arabic language and its distinctive script in shaping the architectural and cultural significance of medieval structures in Tashkent. With the arrival of Islam in the 8th century, Arabic became the main vehicle for scholarly, religious, and administrative communication, leaving an indelible mark on the region's architectural heritage. Iconic landmarks such as the Barakhan Madrasah and Kukaldosh Madrasah boast intricate Arabic inscriptions, including Quranic verses, prayers, and other significant religious texts in the elegant Kufic and Naskh calligraphic styles. These delicately crafted inscriptions give spiritual depth and artistic sophistication to these structures. Besides, Arabic script inspired the development of ornamental designs that gave a peculiar character to the medieval architecture of Tashkent. This analysis has shown that the Arabic influence on the region extends deep into the realms of visual and cultural representation and underlines its persistence.