Arabic Calligraphy

Naskh is one of the six major cursive Arabic scripts. Its origins can be traced back to the late eighth century AD and it is still in use today, over 1300 years later. In its earliest from Naskh was a utilitarian script, mainly used for ordinary correspondence on papyrus, but during the tenth and eleventh centuries it was completely transformed by the elegant refinements of the great Abbasid calligraphers. The Ottoman Turks also considered Naskh the script most suited for copying the Quran. Today, more Qurans are copied in Naskh throughout the Islamic world than in all other Arabic scripts combined. For centuries, novice Arabic calligraphers have learned the skills of this noble art by practising writing Naskh first, a tradition that continues today. This introductory workbook now makes it possible for everyone to learn and enjoy the beauty of Arabic calligraphy. Based on his experience of running workshops and demonstrations, Mustafa Ja’far has distilled the basics into an easy-to-follow, teach-yourself guide.

Author Biography

Venetia Porter is Curator, Islamic and Contemporary Middle East Art at the British Museum.