1.Naskh Calligraphy
Naskh Script is one of the most important and famous Arabic calligraphy styles.
Naskh Script is widely used in writing and printing. It is characterized by the clarity of its letters and ease of reading, making it the preferred choice for writing religious and literary texts. The origin of this script dates back to the 7th century AD, and it has been developed to become more regular and balanced in its shapes. Naskh Script serves as a foundation for many other Arabic calligraphy styles and reflects the aesthetics of traditional Arabic writing. It is especially used in writing copies of the Quran, as it is the most common and preferred script for printing the Holy Quran due to its clarity and readability.
2.Thuluth Calligraphy
Thuluth Script is one of the decorative Arabic calligraphy styles.
Thuluth Script is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant Arabic calligraphy styles. It is distinguished by its curved lines and intricate decorative details, giving it a unique artistic character. This script dates back to the early Islamic centuries and has evolved to be used in writing Quranic verses, artistic panels, and logos. Thuluth Script is often used for large titles and decorative writings, adding beauty and elegance to texts. It is a script that requires a high level of skill to master, making it a point of interest for many calligraphers and artists.
3.Kufi Calligraphy
Kufi Script is one of the oldest and most distinctive Arabic calligraphy styles.
Kufic Script originates from the city of Kufa in Iraq during the 7th century AD. It is characterized by its geometric shapes and sharp angles, giving it a strong and striking appearance. Kufic Script is often used in inscriptions and architectural decorations, as well as in artistic and religious writings, showcasing the aesthetics of traditional Arabic calligraphy. The Kufic script has several variations, including the decorative Kufic, which is especially used in the decoration of Qurans and Islamic artifacts. Although it is rarely used in daily texts, Kufic Script is still highly regarded in Islamic arts and is used in contemporary artwork.
4.Ruqah Calligraphy
Ruq’ah Script is one of the most common Arabic calligraphy styles.
Ruq’ah Script is characterized by its speed and ease of writing. It was developed in the 20th century to be suitable for daily use, making it an ideal script for notes and quick writing. The letters of Ruq’ah are fluid and clear, written in a simple and uncomplicated manner, which helps with easy readability. This script is widely used in correspondence, billboards, and school writing. Although it is not as decorative or artistic as Naskh or Thuluth, Ruq’ah Script is considered a practical and popular choice for everyday writing, reflecting the aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy in a modern style.
5.Tughra Calligraphy
Tughra Script is a type of decorative Arabic calligraphy.
Tughra Script is characterized by its unique and decorative style. It is mainly used for recording royal titles, certificates, and official documents, adding a distinctive and luxurious touch to the texts. The Tughra usually consists of rounded letters and intricate decorations, making it visually appealing. It may include elements such as curved ribbons and circles, reflecting the calligrapher’s skill in its design. The use of Tughra Script dates back to the Islamic era, where it was used in royal documents, artwork, and official and personal signatures. Tughra is not suitable for long texts but is used especially for titles and distinguished phrases. It is considered an art form that requires high skill and precision in writing, making it of great interest to many artists and calligraphers.
6.Diwani Calligraphy
Diwani Script is one of the distinctive decorative Arabic calligraphy styles.
Diwani Script is considered one of the most elegant and beautiful Arabic calligraphy styles. It was developed during the Ottoman era to be used in official writing and government documents. Diwani Script is known for its exceptional beauty, featuring curved and decorative letters, giving it a unique artistic character. It requires a high level of skill to write, and is commonly used for titles, certificates, and important letters. This script has two main types: “Jali Diwani,” used for large and clear writings, and “Regular Diwani,” used for everyday writing. Diwani Script is considered one of the fine arts of Arabic calligraphy, representing an important part of the Arab cultural heritage, and is used in contemporary visual arts and modern designs.
7.Farsi Calligraphy
Persian Script, also known as “Nasta’liq Script”
Persian Script, also known as “Nasta’liq Script,” is one of the most exquisite and decorative Arabic calligraphy styles. It is characterized by the beauty and fluidity of its letters, and is one of the most widely used scripts in Persian writing, blending Arabic calligraphy with traditional Persian art. The origins of Nasta’liq Script date back to the 15th century, and it was developed to be suitable for literary and poetic writing. This script is known for its distinctive formations, where the letters flow seamlessly together in a curved and delicate manner, adding an elegant artistic touch to the text. Persian Script is widely used in poetry, manuscripts, and artwork, reflecting the beauty of both Arabic and Iranian writing. Mastery of this script requires a high level of skill, making it a point of interest for many calligraphers and artists.
8.Moalla Calligraphy
Mu’alla Script is a type of decorative Arabic calligraphy.
Mu’alla Script is considered one of the most beautiful and elegant Arabic calligraphy styles. It is primarily used in artistic writing and decorations, characterized by its intricate details and curved shapes that give it a unique artistic flair. The origins of Mu’alla Script trace back to the Islamic era, and it has evolved to be used for writing titles and Islamic decorations. It is known for its gradients and raised letters, making it suitable for decorating mosques, artwork, and valuable books. Writing Mu’alla Script requires a high level of skill from the calligrapher, as the artist can express their creativity by designing the letters in a harmonious and decorative way. Mu’alla Script is considered one of the fine arts in Arabic calligraphy, reflecting beauty and precision in Islamic cultural heritage.
Modern Calligraphy
Free Style Calligraphy is a type of Arabic writing that deviates from the traditional rules of calligraphy.
Free Style Calligraphy allows for innovation and creativity in letter design. It is characterized by its flexibility, as it is not bound by any specific style or rules, giving the calligrapher or artist the freedom to express their artistic vision in a unique way. Free Style Calligraphy is widely used in contemporary arts, such as graphic design, artwork, and decor, where it can be integrated with decorative elements and modern designs. This type of calligraphy enables the creation of artistic works with a personal touch, using different letter forms and a variety of colors. Due to its abstract nature, Free Style Calligraphy encourages creativity and experimentation, reflecting the development of Islamic arts in the modern era, making it a subject of interest for many artists and designers.