Visual Analysis of the Writing System in the Stamps of the Pahlavi Era

Introduction: The visual elements and the writing system in the stamps of the Pahlavi dynasty reflect cultural-ideological symbols and signal the political, economic, and social relations of that era. This study aims to analyze the writing system (language-structure) in the stamps of the Pahlavi period and to evaluate the factors that influence it. In line with this aim, the study seeks to answer the following questions: «Into how many categories can the writing system of the stamps of Pahlavi I and Pahlavi II be divided? What structural features of the writing system (script and typography) appear in Pahlavi stamps?»Research Method: This study employs a descriptive–analytical approach, focusing on the structural system of writing in Pahlavi-era stamps. The sample is purposefully and selectively chosen, consisting of 5 stamps from Pahlavi I and 21 stamps from Pahlavi II. Data were collected from library resources and a targeted selection of stamps from this period.Findings: In these stamps, Nastaʿlīq, Shikasta Nastaʿlīq, Iranian Naskh, Thuluth, and Kufic scripts were used for Persian phrases, while Times and Helvetica fonts were applied for Latin inscriptions. In some cases, Latin letters and phrases were placed before Persian text, particularly in international contexts, where the main structural diversity is expressed through the use of Latin fonts. In the Pahlavi II period, asymmetrical composition in the structure of writing dominated over symmetrical layouts; consequently, in some stamps, the imbalance between visual and textual elements disrupted the relationship of positive and negative space, equilibrium, and smooth eye movement.Conclusion: Stamps of the Pahlavi I period were designed based on simple aesthetic principles and showed little structural variety in writing design. By contrast, in the Pahlavi II period, the design of writing received particular attention, and the visual qualities of script were enhanced. The full utilization of the stamp space by writing signaled the recognition of writing as a visual element, a feature observable in part of the corpus of this period. Furthermore, the use of Iranian scripts such as Shikasta Nastaʿlīq was a distinctive feature of stamp design in this era. These developments produced diverse and prominent writing styles in terms of structure, letter usage, and grid-based layout in stamp design.