Arabic Calligraphy

Arabic calligraphy, known in Arabic as خط (khuT) or “line,” is the practice of artistically presenting Arabic script through handwriting. Master calligraphers use a bamboo pen, called a مَ قل (qalam) to combine letters and words to give Arabic script artistic meaning. Calligraphy appears in both religious and secular contexts in many mediums, including architecture, texts, and jewelry, throughout the Arab world. Various styles have emerged over the centuries that serve a multitude of religious, political, social, and cultural functions. A sample of six distinct calligraphy styles are listed here, each writing the Arabic quote, “knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom,” in a unique way. Each style of calligraphy is listed in historical order.