CONSIDERED as one of the most aesthetic expressions of handwriting, calligraphy is a beautiful art form of rendering letters, elements and symbols by the interplay of ink, a writing implement and paper.
Madame Tandis Jafari Malak, a holder of an extra-excellent diploma in the Nastaaligh style of Persian calligraphy, shared her belief that this expression of art is essential to the Muslim culture “because it builds relationships.”
“It is important for [us, Muslims] and Iran because it shows our culture to other countries,” Malak told the BusinessMirror in an interview at this year’s National Day of the Islamic Republic of Iran. She is the wife of the Cultural Counselor of Iran, Mohammad Jafari Malak.
Malak, who arrived in the Philippines over a year ago, has also taught the techniques of Iran’s craftsmanship, ingenuity and cultural history through calligraphy to both Filipinos and her compatriots based in the country.
Persian calligraphy also happens to be one of the most celebrated art disciplines in the Middle East.
As a matter of fact, the Association of Iranian Calligraphers (Manila branch) has commenced its sessions on February 1. She gives classes—free of charge.
“It is open to all,” was her invitation, adding that she has at least 50 half-Persian, half-Filipino students, as well as pure Persians, during the opening day of the classes. Their office is along the southbound lane of Edsa-Guadalupe in Makati City, before crossing the highway’s bridge.
Malak leads the series of Persian calligraphy classes every Thursday at 7 p.m. in the Cultural Section of the Embassy of Iran. Based on the score of a final exam, a calligraphy degree will be provided at the end of the first semester, which consists of 12 sessions.
One student, half-Iranian, half-Filipino Thuraya Hassani, said she was thankful that there are lessons being offered for Persian calligraphy.
“This is a way to engage in [an] ancient art,” she said, and was even surprised that Malak will even engage them in a one-on-one tutorial.
Early adaptor
Malak discovered her interest for calligraphy when she was 10 years old. She shared that she used to help her mother, who was a teacher herself, check on the notes of her students.
The calligraphy teacher recalled, “There was something at the back of their notebooks that she used to ‘connect the dots.’”
Since then, she began to develop her interest in the art.
Malak stated that Iranian calligraphy was originally an Arabic system of writing developed from the Syriac and Nabatean alphabetic scripts, using a contrast between vertical lines and horizontal bases formed by the links between the letters.
Later, it was used for secular and religious decorative purposes. Some of its styles include Nasta’liq, Shikasteh, Naskh and Suls.
The Iranian national said ancient and modern calligraphy could be seen in decorations of religious buildings and other places. It is also used in the Holy Koran and in writing revered names, such as Allah, the Prophet Mohammad or their holy people.
During the recent local festivities of the 39th anniversary of the Iranian Islamic Revolution, Malak was busy entertaining curious guests about calligraphy.
She even wrote their names in Persian calligraphy and gave it to them as a gift. This author was accorded with the teacher’s kindness and had her own rendition.
“This one can even last for more than 10 years,” the Iranian calligrapher revealed while she handed out to this author her unique artwork as a remembrance of sorts.
Some of the tools needed to engage in Persian calligraphy are paper, calligraphy pen, pen sharpener, ink and container, silky ink controller and writing pad.
Persian calligraphy also requires a pen made from cane or bamboo reed, depending on the length of strokes.
Discovering the Philippines
TEACHING calligraphy here in the country also makes Malak discover about Philippine culture and the arts.
“I also try to see what kind of artworks you have here and try to compare it to ours,” she noted. Aside from giving classes, the Iranian calligraphy teacher also joins her husband in official diplomatic events and functions here in the country.
Outside the embassy, she has gone to vacations and trips with her family to tourist havens, such as the scenic spots in Palawan, Tagaytay City in Cavite, as well as the countryside and beaches in Batangas.
If there is something that she loves about and has grown fond of Filipinos, she said it is their unique brand of friendliness.
Aside from the warmth of the locals, what does she like most about staying here?
Without batting her beautiful eyelashes, she told this author: “It’s the weather.”
Indeed, it was a beautiful “stroke”—of luck, that is—to have discovered Iranian calligraphy. Thank you, Madame Malak!
Image credits: Jimbo Albano