Origins & Early Life

Mir Emad (born Emad al-Molk Qazvini Hasani (Persian: میرعماد حسنی قزوینی),‎ 1554 – August 15, 1615) is perhaps the most celebrated Persian calligrapher. He was born in Qazvin, Iran. It is believed that the Nastaʿlīq style reached its highest elegance in Mir Emad's works. These are considered amongst the finest specimens of Nastaʿlīq calligraphy and are kept in several museums in the world.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Mir Emad was born in Qazvin, where he had his early education. Mir Emad's family had librarian and accountant positions in the Safavid court. He was trained in calligraphy at first by Isa Rangkar and then Malek Deylami. Later on, Mir Emad moved to Tabriz to study with Mohammad Hossein Tabrizi. Afterward, he traveled to Ottoman Turkey, Baghdad, Halab and Hijaz.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

He returned to Semnan and worked as a scribe in Shah Abbas's library and later on his court in the capital of Isfahan. In Shah Abbas's court, Mir Emad was not the only calligrapher. Ali Reza Abbasi Tabrizi, another famous calligrapher, was also under the shah's patronage. Ali Reza Abbasi's was also a pupil of Mohammad Hossein Tabrizi (Mir Emad's teacher) and later on became Mir...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Francisco Vázquez de Coronado — Contemporary (Died in 1554) (1554): Spanish conquistador who explored the American Southwest, seeking mythical Seven Cities of Gold.
• Sebastiano Serlio — Contemporary (Died in 1554) (1554): Influential Italian Mannerist architect known for codifying classical architectural orders.
• Thomas Wyatt the Younger — Contemporary (Died in 1554) (1554): English politician and rebel leader during the reign of Queen Mary I.
• Sanada Yukimura — Contemporary (Died in 1615) (1615): Legendary samurai warrior of the Sengoku period, famed for the Siege of Osaka.
• Anthony of Padua — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1195): Portuguese Catholic saint and Franciscan friar, renowned for his preaching.
• Ben Affleck — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1972): Esteemed American actor and filmmaker known for dramatic roles and directorial efforts.
• Bill Pinkney — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1925): American singer and original member of The Drifters, influential in soul and R&B.
• E. Nesbit — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1858): Pioneering English author and poet, celebrated for children's literature and socialist activism.
• Edna Ferber — Shared historical date (08-15 · Born) (1885): Pioneering American novelist celebrated for sweeping tales of life and passion.
• Edward Waring — Shared historical date (08-15 · Died) (1798): British mathematician known for Waring's problem and his tenure at Cambridge.
• 1554 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1554
• 1615 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1615
• August 15 (08-15) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 15