Arabic Calligraphy: Styles, Tools, Learning & More

Styles
Tools
Learning Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is the unique art of artistic handwriting based on the Arabic alphabets. Since ancient times, Arabic calligraphy has been known and appreciated world wide for its beauty, diversity and potential for development. Its use has been linked to advancement in art, craftsmanship, architecture and education in the Arabic civilisations. Today, this art form is used in the UAE for text in books, art, documents, religious quotes and verses, and even greeting cards.

Arabic Calligraphy Styles

The popularity of Arabic calligraphy can be attributed to the heavily revered master calligraphers who have contributed to the evolution of this art form. Over the years, calligraphers hailing from different parts of the UAE, from big cities like Dubai to small villages, have developed multiple forms of calligraphy.

Globally, the evolution of Arabic calligraphy has a long history, with some forms of of calligraphic script created under regimes that don’t even exist today. Diwani, for example, was created for the administration of the Ottoman Empire. It is still used today for non-religious texts such as decorations and greeting cards.

Kufic is the oldest style of Arabic calligraphy. It was developed in Iraq during the 7th century to write the Quran. In the centuries that followed, it was the only script used for writing the Quran and is still the mainly used for that. However, today it is also used to coin and monument inscriptions.

One of the first styles developed was Naskh. It was used for transcribing documents and books and is still used today in graphic design. The most difficult style to master for a calligrapher is Thuluth, but it’s also among the most beautiful styles and one of the easier ones to read.

The Tools Used

Unlike modern calligraphy that requires a nib, a nib holder and ink, Arabic calligraphy tools comprise several different types of special pens, specifically designed for different types of calligraphic scripts.

A qalam is the most common type of calligraphy pen and is considered a symbol of wisdom in Islam. It is made out of a reed that has been cut and dried out. The khamish pen is also made out of reeds, but these pens require a lengthy curing process in order to be used for Arabic calligraphy.

The bamboo pen is the oldest tool in the calligraphy world. It has a rigid edge but it also offers a level of flexibility that allows for calligraphers to make fluid movements. The Java pen is made from Javanese thorn grass and because of its rigidity, it produces sharp edges for letterforms that make it perfect for smaller scripts.

calligraphy pens — *Different Arabic calligraphy styles use different pens*

The handam pen comes in a range of different sizes, which makes it suitable for a variety of different types of scripts. It’s also very durable and unlike other types of pens, doesn’t require frequent sharpening. Finally, celi pens are for large-scale calligraphy. They are made from bamboo and have built-in ink cartridges.

Most Arabic calligraphy is done on ahar paper. It is handmade in central India and coated with starch, alum and egg whites. This coating keeps the ink from penetrating the paper, so if a calligrapher makes a mistake, they can erase the ink and make corrections without ruining the paper.

Learning Modern Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is an art form that has been passed down through generations. Learning how to write in this style relies heavily on observation and imitation.

Students learn this calligraphy best by going to in-person classes with a teacher to observe the precise movements and techniques multiple times before learning how to imitate them. Students typically practice their calligraphy at home on practice sheets and bring them back to their teacher for review. It is not a quick course.

practicing calligraphy — *Learning and perfecting modern Arabic calligraphy can take years*

Learning this art form may take years to perfect. You can find calligraphy courses at art institutions in Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

If you’re interested in learning more about this art form, you could choose to focus on learning the creative expression behind it. This way of learning isn’t focused on the mastery of the art form but instead is more about learning the basic letterforms as a way to capture the beauty of the script.