The reed pen was the main writing instrument used by Islamic calligraphers although bamboo or carved wooden pens like this example were used for larger scripts. The way a calligraphy pen is cut and prepared, affects the different styles of calligraphy. The nib of the reed pen or 'qalam' is placed on a pen rest and trimmed with a knife. Traditionally, a person interested in learning calligraphy would first have to find a teacher who is willing to accept him/her as a student. For the first writing lesson, the teacher writes a prayer - which roughly translates as 'Lord make it easy and not difficult, Lord make his work come to a good conclusion.' It might take years before the student is able to master writing this prayer. Only after doing so well the student is able to move on and learn to write the difficult letter forms.Calligraphy is one of the most important art forms in Islamic societies. The Ottoman period was renowned for producing exemplary and innovative forms of calligraphic artwork.
