Background with Arabic design

Arabic Calligraphy










Type Illustration
Kufic
  • Oldest Script: Kufic is one of the earliest forms of Arabic script, dating back to the 7th century.
  • Geometric and Angular: It is known for its straight lines and right angles, creating a bold, structured look.
  • Used in Decoration: Often seen in architectural inscriptions, coins, and early Quran manuscripts due to its clarity and durability.
  • Minimal Curves: Unlike later scripts, Kufic has minimal curves and favors symmetry, making it distinct and easily recognizable.
Kufic calligraphy illustration
Rayhani
  • Refined and Graceful: Rayhani is known for its slender and delicate letters, making it one of the more refined Arabic scripts.
  • Associated with Religious Texts: Often used for Quranic manuscripts due to its beauty and readability.
  • Soft and Rounded Style: The script has smooth curves and rounded shapes, giving it a softer appearance compared to Kufic.
  • Requires Precision: Writing in Rayhani requires careful attention to proportion, balance, and uniformity of letters.
Rayhani calligraphy illustration
Thuluth
  • Elegant and Flowing: Thuluth is characterized by its large, graceful curves and elongated strokes, making it visually impressive.
  • Complex and Decorative: Due to its intricacy, it’s often used in ceremonial inscriptions, mosques, and religious manuscripts.
  • Highly Skilled: Writing in Thuluth requires extensive training, as it involves precise balance and flowing movement.
  • Popular in Ottoman Art: This script was widely adopted in the Ottoman Empire and is frequently seen in their calligraphic work.
Thuluth calligraphy illustration
Naskh
  • Highly Legible: Naskh is one of the most readable Arabic scripts, making it ideal for everyday writing and printed texts.
  • Widely Used for Printing: It became the standard for printing Arabic books, including Quranic texts, due to its clarity and simplicity.
  • Balanced and Proportional: The script maintains a clear structure, with letters in balanced proportions and moderate curves.
  • Versatile and Functional: Due to its practicality and readability, Naskh is commonly used in digital fonts and everyday documents.
Naskh calligraphy illustration
Diwani
  • Highly Ornamental: Diwani script is elaborate and ornate, with intricate flourishes and decorative loops.
  • Secretive Origins: Developed in the Ottoman Empire for official documents, its style made it difficult to forge or read by untrained eyes.
  • Compact and Curved: Letters are closely spaced, and the script is distinguished by its dense, flowing curves.
  • Popular for Ceremonial Use: Its decorative quality makes it ideal for official seals, royal decrees, and modern-day invitations.
Diwani calligraphy illustration
Copyright© 2024 Nile University.
Made BY ECE Students under the supervision of Eng: Heba Ali and Eng: Shahd Noman