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Diwani style - a calligraphic variety of Arabic script
As a variety of Arabic script it was the most decorative. It’s origin comes from of Riqa and Nasta’liq style. Due to its specific layout (being very decorative) it is very difficult to read, especially when it comes to more festive version, called Jeli Diwani style. This style is a very compact way of writing a full diacritical marks, some of which have their function, while others are only decorative.
Documents were often written with gold paint when written in Diwani or Jeli Diwani style. This style reached its first affirmation during the ruling of Sultan Fatih, and full splendor in the 16th century, when it was additionally adjusted by famous calligrapher Shaykh Hamidullah. From then until 20th century diwani letter was present in the Ottoman diplomatic correspondence.
Masters of this letter were calligraphers: Sami Effendi, Aziz Effendi, Effendi Kjamil, like many other calligraphers who served as scribes in the Ottoman court.
Diwani is marked by beauty and harmony, and accurate small samples are considered more beautiful than larger ones. It is still used in the correspondence of kings, princes, presidents, and in ceremonies and greeting cards. and has a high artistic value.
Photo taken by Elvira Bojadzic, detail from Tugra (Copyright: Bosniak Institut in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina)
