The History of Arabic Calligraphy Art and how you can learn it

Calligraphy is one of humanity’s oldest and most respected art forms. While its practice has declined in many cultures, it continues to thrive in the Arab world, where a tradition spanning over 2,000 years is still deeply cherished. In today’s fast-paced culture, where the constant flood of words can make them feel less meaningful, Arabic calligraphy stands out by honoring writing and the written word as sacred expressions.

In this article, we’ll explore the rich history of this art form, the traditional tools used in Arabic calligraphy, and how you can begin learning this graceful cursive art yourself.

Origins of Arabic calligraphy

In ancient times, Arab tribes mainly relied on memorization, passing down poetry and stories orally from one generation to the next. This tradition shifted significantly with the rise of Islam and the vital need to preserve the Quran in written form. This turning point marked the beginning of Arabic script’s development and the flourishing of Arabic calligraphy as an art form.

The Spread of Islam

Before Islam reached the Arabian Peninsula, the region was home to various early Semitic languages. Archaeological discoveries of ancient inscriptions in these languages show that the practice of calligraphy existed long before Islam. In Ancient Persia, for example, cuneiform calligraphy was used to decorate royal monuments as early as 600–500 B.C. However, it was the rise and spread of Islam that truly ignited a golden era of Arabic calligraphy across the Middle East, as the religion united the region under the Arabic language and deeply honored the written word.

The Golden Age of Arabic calligraphy

The early growth of Arabic calligraphy did not follow a straight or uniform path. Various scripts appeared and disappeared across different regions, from Damascus and Baghdad to Morocco and Spain. One of the earliest and most influential styles was Kufic, named after the city of Kufah in Iraq. Kufic became the first widely adopted script, dominating Arabic calligraphy from the 7th to the 11th centuries. However, it remained somewhat rigid and unsystematic until the so-called “Golden Age” of calligraphy, which began around the year 1000 and continued until the mid-13th century, when the art became more refined and standardized.

In 762, the Abbasid Caliphate ruler Al-Mansur founded a magnificent new capital—Baghdad—along the Tigris River. The city quickly rose to become the cultural heart of the Middle East and the center of artistic innovation, including calligraphy. This era is remembered as the Golden Age of Arabic calligraphy and is closely associated with three legendary calligraphers: Ibn Muqla (886–940), Ibn al-Bawwab (c. 961–1022), and Yakut al-Musta'simi (d. 1298), each of whom played a vital role in perfecting and systematizing the art.

Ibn Muqla

Ibn Muqla, who served as a vizier during the Abbasid Caliphate, is renowned for laying down the foundational rules of Arabic calligraphy. He introduced the influential theory of proportion, a system still used by calligraphers today. This method set the rhomboid dot and the length of the Alif stroke as the basic units of measurement to determine the size and shape of all letters within a script.

According to his system, the alif is equal to seven rhomboid dots in height. Based on this, a circular guide is drawn using the alif’s length as the radius, and every other character in the script is proportionally designed within that circular framework.

Ibn al-Bawwab

Ibn al-Bawwab succeeded Ibn Muqla and played a pivotal role in the evolution of Arabic calligraphy. He refined several of Ibn Muqla’s scripts and is believed to have created the cursive scripts known as Rayhani and Muhaqqaq.

He is also credited with preserving many of Ibn Muqla’s original manuscripts, though unfortunately none of these have survived to the present day. His contributions helped shape the classical tradition of Arabic calligraphy and influenced generations of calligraphers after him.

Yaqut al-Musta'simi

The third renowned calligrapher of the Golden Age was Yaqut al-Musta'simi, a royal court scribe who further refined the system of proportional measurements established by his predecessors. He introduced the technique of cutting the pen nib at a slant—an innovation that, though small, profoundly transformed the aesthetics and techniques of Arabic calligraphy.

Yaqut lived through the Mongol sack of Baghdad and is said to have taken refuge in a minaret, continuing his work even as the city below was devastated.

These three calligraphers—Ibn Muqla, Ibn al-Bawwab, and Yaqut al-Musta'simi—are among history’s most celebrated, and many students, including several notable women, trained under them. Their contributions during this Golden Age gave rise to the six classical scripts: Thuluth, Naskh, Muhaqqaq, Rayhani, Tawqi, and Riq'a.

As Islam continued to spread rapidly—through the conversion of Ghazan of the Mongol Empire, the rise of the Mughal Empire in India, the Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt, and later the Ottoman Empire—Arabic calligraphy flourished even further. In every region it reached, artists enriched and refined this art form, creating the vast and diverse calligraphic heritage that continues to inspire the world today.

Evolution of Arabic calligraphy

As Arabic calligraphy spread to new regions, its purpose and use also evolved. In its earliest days, it served primarily as a tool for communication and for preserving the divine message of Quran.

Over time, however, it grew beyond its original function and became a central element in various artistic and cultural domains—most notably in architecture, decorative arts, and even on coinage.

Furthermore, the art form gradually developed into two main stylistic families: the angular Kufic script and the more fluid family of rounded scripts, laying the foundation for the rich diversity of styles that followed.

Kufic Script

In the early days, Arabic calligraphy was rarely used because the culture relied heavily on oral traditions. However, as Islam spread and the preservation of the Quran became essential, the Arabic script gained significant importance. To honor its sacred purpose, the script was developed to be visually beautiful and carefully designed.

This early, elegant form of writing became known as Kufic.

Today, many variations of Kufic exist, but it is generally recognized by its angular, straight-edged letterforms and its strong horizontal layout.

Rounded Scripts

While Kufic became the standard for sacred texts such as the Quran, there arose a need for a script that could be written more quickly and used for smaller-scale documents like letters and records.

This gave rise to what are now known as rounded scripts—a family of scripts considered more formal and practical. Unlike Kufic, rounded scripts are designed to appear uniform and mechanical, leaving little to no space for personal flair or artistic variation. Ideally, they should not look like they were written by hand.

Tools Used for Arabic calligraphy

The tools used for Arabic calligraphy are quite different from those used in traditional or modern Western calligraphy. While Western calligraphy often relies on metal nibs, nib holders, and liquid ink, Arabic calligraphy tools are typically made from natural materials like reeds and rigid woods.

Below are some of the most common implements and supplies:

Qalam pen

The most iconic pen in Arabic calligraphy is the Qalam, made from a dried and carefully cut reed. In Islam, the Qalam is considered a symbol of wisdom and knowledge.

Khamish pen

Also called a reed pen, this tool is widely used by Arab, Turkish, and Iranian calligraphers. It’s crafted from reeds that grow along rivers and requires a long curing process before it can be used for writing.

Bamboo pen

One of the oldest calligraphy tools in the world, the bamboo pen is prized for its firm yet slightly flexible edge, allowing calligraphers to produce a wide range of strokes and movements with control.

Java pen

Made from Javanese thorn grass, the Java pen is known for its rigidity and sharp edge, which makes it especially suitable for writing small-sized scripts with precision.

Handam pen

The Handam pen is one of the most versatile tools, available in sizes ranging from very large (10mm) to ultra-fine (less than 1mm). It’s durable and requires less frequent cutting or sharpening compared to the Khamish pen.

Celi pen

Designed for large-scale Arabic calligraphy, the Celi pen features wide bamboo nibs equipped with built-in ink reservoirs, making it ideal for monumental or architectural works.

Ahar paper

While many different types of paper can be suitable for Arabic calligraphy, there is a type of paper made specifically for the art form. Ahar paper is handmade in central India. It is coated with a combination of starch and a sizing made from alum and egg whites. This glossy coating prevents the ink from penetrating the paper; instead, the ink sits on top of the coating, which allows calligraphers to erase and make corrections.

Ink

Traditional Arabic calligraphy ink is soot-based and water-soluble, so you can remove any mistakes with a wet cloth. While black is the most traditional color for the ink, a variety of ink colors are now available and widely used.

Modern Arabic Calligraphy

While Arabic calligraphy is deeply rooted in tradition, it has also become a powerful source of inspiration for modern art. Many contemporary artists have developed their own unique styles and techniques, reimagining Arabic calligraphy in innovative ways. Today, artists often incorporate calligraphic elements into jewelry, digital designs, fashion, and home décor, or experiment with paint on canvas instead of traditional ink on paper.

Learning Modern Arabic Calligraphy

There are two general approaches to learning Arabic calligraphy.

The first is the traditional method, which is comprehensive but time-intensive. Traditionally, Arabic calligraphy is passed down from generation to generation and taught through direct, in-person meetings between teacher and student. Much of this instruction relies on observation and imitation: the student closely watches the teacher’s precise movements and techniques, and then practices replicating them. The student usually spends long hours practicing at home, bringing the work back to the teacher for review and correction. This process can take years to complete.

Alternatively, you can learn Arabic calligraphy primarily as a form of creative expression. While this method might not result in full mastery as in the traditional way, it allows you to explore the beauty of the art. You can begin by learning how to write the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet, then practice forming words, phrases, or even your name using calligraphic styles.

Although Arabic calligraphy is deeply rooted in tradition and can take years to master, it is possible to embrace it with a modern and personal approach if you are passionate about this art form.