The effect of color and material on the beauty of writing in calligraphy art

The research conducted within the scope of this thesis has demonstrated that the use of color in Islamic calligraphy is not merely an aesthetic element, but also carries functional and cultural significance. Throughout history, calligraphers have made use of color and various materials to enhance the legibility of the script, strengthen its aesthetic appeal, and add a spiritual dimension to artistic expression. In the study, 50 visual works from both printed and digital sources were utilized to support the research. The effects of the types of colored ink used in these works (such as black soot ink, gold ink, red ink, etc.) on the script were evaluated, and how these inks altered the aesthetic qualities of the writing was analyzed and explained. It was found that calligraphers used colored inks to enhance the visual impact of the script, thereby making the text more striking and readable. In Qur'anic manuscripts, the use of colored inks in interlinear translations, tajwīd rules, verse stops, and surah headings served not only to aid the reader and prevent external additions to the text but also contributed to its aesthetic value. The use of color in various forms of calligraphic compositions such as kıṭʿa and murakkaʿa was examined through examples, and it was determined that colors especially facilitated the learning process in meşk murakkaʿas. In tughra compositions, the use of gold and color was not only an aesthetic choice but also a symbol of bureaucratic order and hierarchical structure. In fermans (imperial decrees) and berats (official documents), gold and colored inks were often used decoratively and sometimes to emphasize verses, hadiths, or key sections. In musanna (symmetrical) and girift (interlaced) scripts, the use of color played a crucial role not only in improving legibility but also in achieving visual balance in the design. The use of contrasting colors created a visual hierarchy and directed attention to the main elements of the composition. In conclusion, it has been understood that the use of color in Islamic calligraphy is important both for maintaining aesthetic integrity and for enhancing the functionality of the script.