thickly written

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The text describes stylistic experiments by Sharīf Bala Gabari involving 'thickly written editions' (p. 312). In these editions, the calligrapher meticulously adjusted the size of his writing in imperceptible ways to ensure that any given ḥizb (a specific division of the Qur'an) would conclude exactly on a desired spot, such as the end of a folio (p. 312).

Evidence

"Gabari’s experiments with a series of thickly written editions of the Qur’an wherein every individual ḥizb is realised either in one folio (recto and verso), in two folios, or in three folios."

Remarks

Bala Gabari's editions are described as iconic embodiments of Nigerian Qur'anic culture in the late 20th century (p. 312). His writing style enhanced the 'Kufic' look of the script, rooted in archaic traits of the Arabic script tradition, to meet the requirements of the modern market (p. 312). The handwriting was later used as a model for a digital 'kanawī' font used in the magazine 'Tabarau mai hangen nesa' (p. 315).