The Legacy of Mirza Mahmoud Qazi: The Master Calligrapher of Mahabad Mirza Mahmoud Qazi, widely known as Mirza Mahmoud the Calligrapher, flourished in Mahabad during the latter half of the 18th century. Though a religious scholar (Mulla) by training, he earned the title "Mirza" through his service as a court scribe for the contemporary rulers of his time. His exceptional talent in the art of calligraphy eventually garnered him widespread fame and the prestigious title of Khoshnevis (The Calligrapher). The following Persian couplet highlights his mastery and defiant artistic confidence: "The script is a fortress, and from me, it has turned rebellious; Mahmoud of Savujbulagh is the Sultan of Calligraphers." Lineage and Historical Significance Mirza Mahmoud was the son of Mirza Muhammad, grandson of Haji Usman, and great-grandson of Mirza Muhammad the Elder—the patriarch of the Qazi family in Mahabad. He stands as the ancestral pillar of the illustrious Qazi family, which has left an indelible mark on the Mukriyan region. As recorded by Mirza Khalil in his book, A Brief History of the Qazi Family, Mirza Mahmoud’s life was marked by fluctuations in fortune—at times facing the wrath of the Mukri Emirs and at others enjoying their deep favor. Ultimately, his merit was recognized, and he attained a position of high honor (Sadr). A Beacon of Intellectual and Artistic Brilliance The artistic journey of Mirza Mahmoud serves as a testament to the intellectual depth of Mahabad. Despite its modest size at the time, the city produced giants in history, politics, science, and the arts. Mirza Mahmoud represents the pinnacle of calligraphic excellence in this region. His life and work provide a lens through which we can conduct a scientific and artistic analysis of the cultural evolution of Kurdistan as a whole. The Qazi family has long been a patron of the arts. Calligraphy, in particular, became a spiritual and intellectual inheritance passed down through generations, becoming a defining characteristic of the lineage. To describe this noble family through an artistic lens, the terms "Calligrapher" and "Master of Penmanship" are most fitting. This talent is evident in numerous family members, including: Mirza Fattah Qazi Qazi Ali Qazi Karim Mirza Ibrahim Saifulquzat Abdurrahman Jawanmardi Qazi (Salar) Abdurrahman Qazi Nasir Qazi Mamshad Qazi International Recognition Mirza Mahmoud’s legacy is preserved in some of the world's most prestigious institutions. He transcribed seven copies of the Quran in the Naskh script. Of these rare manuscripts: One is housed in the Louvre Museum in France. One is preserved in the Topkapi/Istanbul Museum. A third original manuscript is held by Mr. Hiwa Qazi in Mahabad (samples of which are displayed here). Conclusion Mirza Mahmoud the Calligrapher is more than just an artist; he is a gateway to a sociological and historical understanding of Mahabad and the Mukriyan region. His life invites us to explore how this region fostered an environment where art and knowledge could flourish to such an extent that its products are now exhibited as masterpieces in global museums.
- Below are images of the samples of the calligraphy of Mirza Mahmoud
