An Arabic calligraphy is a form of artistic writing based on the Arabic alphabet. In Arabic, calligraphy is called Khatt, a term derived from the word line, design or construction. The oldest form of Arabic script is called Kufic. Apart from the Arabic alphabet, many other calligraphy scripts are used. Let’s look at some examples.
Six major scripts
In Arabic calligraphy, there are six major scripts. Among these scripts are The Taleeq, Thuluth, Nasik and the Kufic script. The Taleeq script, the oldest known script, was first developed by Ahmed Shala Basha in the 8th century AH and is a variant of the Dewani script. The TALEEQ script has different rules for letter forms and does not allow for combining on the line.
The Arabic script varies considerably in its appearance and use. Riqa, for example, lacks capitalization and suggests a quick and urgent progression from right to left. In addition to its unique style and appearance, Arabic script has its peculiarities, including open curves below the middle register. The reed pen used by the Arabic calligrapher is angled to create a thick downstroke and a thin undercut.
Ibn Muqla
The principles of Arabic calligraphy were codified by Ibn Muqla, who lived in Baghdad in the late 9th and early 10th centuries. His system incorporated three sets of measurements to create the perfect letters:
- The height of an alif is equal to its diameter. This allows for the creation of perfect proportions between letters.
- There is a rule for determining the length of a letter.
- There is an exact ratio between the width of a letter and its height.
IBN Muqla is a highly respected calligrapher and the inventor of the Naskh script. He was the first Islamic calligrapher to define the proportions of a letter. Ibn Muqla also influenced other Arabic calligraphers and the style of writing we know today. His principles are still followed in most classical schools of calligraphy.
Yaqut al Mustasimi
Whether you are looking for a beautiful inscription in a different language or are simply interested in fine art, the Arabic calligraphy of Yaqut Al Mustasimis is worth considering. This well-known calligrapher was the secretary of the last Abbasid caliph. His work has been renowned worldwide and is included in many great collections.
A master of Arabic calligraphy, Yaqut al Mustasimi refined six original scripts and trained his students to use each script systematically. He also devised a system of measuring proportionally. His work is now considered the best example of Islamic calligraphy. And it is largely due to his genius that modern calligraphers still study his work.
Diwani” calligraphy
Diwani Arabic calligraphy is a popular form of modern Arabic calligraphy. The script is designed to make the letters thin and easily readable, allowing for vertical and horizontal elongation. A special feature is the tail end tool, which creates curved tails on the last letters of words. Diwani script is suitable for beginners and professionals. It can be used without software and is exportable online. It is ideal for creating beautiful professional Arabic calligraphy pieces.
The writing style is Ottoman and was developed during the reign of Sultan Muhammad al-Fatih. The script is widely used in official documents and royal correspondence and has been refined over the centuries. The Diwani script has many uses and can be seen in the Ottoman Empire, including letters announcing high positions in the state. It is also used in artwork, poetry, proverbs and supplications.
If you are interested in learning Kufic Arabic calligraphy, you have come to the right place. A Kufic Arabic calligraphy is a script that began in the 8th century. It was first composed in pencil and then finalized in ink. It is distinguished by marks that reveal meaning and sound and act as attractive details. These marks include vocalization marks and punctuation. Both the ancient and modern worlds influence the style of Kufic Arabic calligraphy.
A master calligrapher from Iran was on a mission to revive the ancient art form. The Quran inspired them, and Kufic calligraphy derived from Islamic manuscripts and decorative arts. Seyed Mohammad Vahid Mousavi Jazayeri, a calligrapher who studied under Jamshid Sarhaddi, created the first book dedicated to a surah of the Quran. He also plans to create a contemporary copy of the Quran in this ancient script.
