Arabic calligraphy: Writing elevated to an art form

I The History of Ink

During the Arab Middle Ages, the art of calligraphy, in addition to conveying text, reflected the beauty and harmony of the message, becoming a form of artistic expression and religious devotion. Thus, in contrast to Greek or Latin script, Arabic calligraphy evolved from a mere means of writing texts to become a primary decorative element, symbolising the cultural identity of the Arab and Islamic worlds.

Perhaps because of this artistic dimension, several distinct styles of calligraphy emerged, each with its own distinctive characteristics and a rich tradition. Among the oldest are Kufic calligraphy (named after the city of Kufah in Iraq) and Naskh. The former is characterised by simple geometric shapes and angular lines, with horizontally and vertically elongated strokes. In contrast, Naskh has rounded forms and small letters. Serving different purposes, the two styles coexisted. Naskh had a functional use, whereas Kufic was mainly used for literary works and decoration.

In terms of writing materials, the Arabic tradition was integrated into Late Antiquity, as evidenced by the fact that the writing instrument par excellence was the qalam (from the Greek «calamus»), the reed pen. The Arabs continued to use papyrus alongside parchment until the arrival of paper, of Chinese origin, in the mid-8th century B.C.E. Regarding inks, the manuals for scribes and calligraphers that proliferated during the Arab Middle Ages reflect the Greco-Latin heritage, the incorporation of Eastern materials and techniques and the emergence of Arab innovations. This resulted in significant technical refinement and a notable diversification of recipes.