Kufic Script Aesthetics and Recognition
Several users commented on the visual appeal and distinctive characteristics of Kufic script, particularly its geometric and abstract forms.
- One user noted the resemblance of certain Kufic designs to the London Underground "Labyrinth" mazes.
- "I always found Kufi to be a form of space-filling curves... a form of decoration that can fill a surface such as edges around a building...without depicting humans in stone" (omneity) highlighting a practical use of this unique artform.
- "Incomprehensible for outsiders. Though, any script can be fit into "square" writing."(hinell)
- "Some more easily than others." (xanderlewis) indicating varying degrees of ease with which different scripts can be adapted to the square Kufic style.
- "It varies, the example from the Topkapi Scroll, with the tile-like patterns of triangles and swastikas, took me a minute to recognize (but it's been 25yr since I took Arabic as an undergrad)." (blacksmith_tb) suggesting that familiarity with Arabic is helpful, but even with prior knowledge, recognition can take effort.
Kufic as Encoding or Obfuscation
The potential for Kufic script to serve as a means of encoding or obfuscating information was raised.
- "Such abstraction can be used to obfuscate information. Could they contain and have contained hidden messages? Hushed passwords to enter secret areas of the temples hidden in plain sight?" (brador) suggesting a possible historical use for secrecy.
- "Hilbert curves [4] could be the substrate (the coordinate system), and Kufi writing could be indeed encoded information maybe by XORing each point between the curve and the kufi word." (omneity) speculating on possible encoding methods.
Nuances and Variations in Kufic Script
Several users emphasized the nuances and variations within Kufic script, clarifying terminology and pointing out specific examples.
- "Just to clarify I don’t think that first image is Kufic script, whereas the second is the shahada (author calls it the shada)" (samirillian).
- "I’m not sure about the 2 kinds of scripts claim, I think there are a few more than that." (samirillian) suggesting the original article may have oversimplified the varieties of Kufic script.
- "Not sure, I think first image is square or geometric Kufic (sometimes called "Satrancli Kûfi" in Turkish) of course looks quite different than typical Kufic script." (mda) clarified the type of Kufic used in the first image.
Modern Applications and Inspirations
Users discussed potential and existing modern applications of Kufic script, including its use in logos and potential integration with technology.
- One user pointed out the Mardin Artuklu University logo as an example in this style.
- "I had the idea of making a QR code generator that embeds those "Kufi" "scripts" but never got to do it. Now with LLM image generators it's pretty feasible" (mohsen1).
- Several users shared example images.