Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy is the art of beautiful handwriting based on the Arabic alphabet.

The development of Arabic calligraphy began since the death of Prophet Muhammad (632 AD). At that time, two main centers of Arabic calligraphy emerged in Mecca & Medina, Kufa & Basra in Iraq and later another one in Isfahan in Persia.

For thousands of years, the art of writing was admired by the educated and courtiers in the Arab-Islamic region. Masters of Arabic calligraphy were therefore much revered.

Arabic calligraphers are also admired in Western culture, because the writing of the different styles exudes harmony and beauty. Even viewers who do not know the meaning of writing are fascinated by the unique magic of Arabic calligraphy.

Some Styles

Diwani

The style Diwani was developed by calligraphers for the administration of the Ottoman Empire.

It is a style that is still used by calligraphers in the Arab world. It is used for non-religious texts, such as greeting cards and other decorations.

Kufic

Kufic is the oldest style of Arabic calligraphy.

The script was developed in the 7th century in Iraq as a Qur’an script. The style remained the only script for the writing of the Qur’an in the following centuries. In addition, Kufic was used for the inscription of coins and monuments.

Naskh

Naskh is one of the first styles that had developed. The style was mainly used for writing documents and transcribing books.

Naskh is used in graphic design today.

Thuluth

Thuluth is one of the most important styles and is mainly used for representative purposes.

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial

Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial was launched to introduce the Art of Arabic Calligraphy.

You are invited to showcase your art, if you are a reknown calligrapher or practitioner. The Biennial is a good place for you as an artist to experience technical, aesthetic and intellectual advancement. It encourages you to explore and research the history of the Arabic Calligraphy more thoroughly.

The duration of the Biennial varies from a month to two months with workshops, seminars, performances, and ceremonies awarding the calligraphers and artists.

For further information please contact: Sharjahcalligraphy@sdci.gov.ae

Get an individual Arabic calligraphy design!

If you want to have your name written or have another custom design made, contact one of the following Arabic calligraphers:

Reda Gomaa Mansour

Contractual calligrapher with:

• Departure of Culture and Information Sharjah
• Sharjah Calligraphy Museum

http://www.sdc.gov.ae/en/home
http://www.sharjahmuseums.ae/Our-Museums/Sharjah-Calligraphy-Museum.aspx?lang=en-US

Amir Hossein Golshani
Wafi Mall Dubai, Khan Murjan Souk, Shop No. 6176

https://www.instagram.com/goldenpen.dubai/

Sayed Murladha Alsakin
Bahrain
Tel./WhatsApp: 00973 39269494

https://www.instagram.com/alsakin_adv/

Mohsen Ghareeb
Bahrain
Tel./WhatsApp: 00973 33030386

https://www.instagram.com/ghareebart/