Arabic is an important language, as it is considered the fifth language in terms of its global spread. Also, It is considered a large framework of concepts, contents, a variety of vocabulary, opposites, and synonyms. Furthermore, what distinguishes it is that its letters are written in more than one way, and fall under what is called Arabic Script. So what is the definition of Arabic Script? What are its early days? What are its types?
Arabic calligraphy is one of the arts of writing words and sentences that use the twenty-eight letters of the Arabic language. The most important thing that helped in designing Arabic calligraphy was the interlocking of its letters, which gave it the flexibility to be shaped.
The origin of Arabic calligraphy
The origin of the Arabic calligraphy goes back to the Nabataean script, then the Kufic and Hijaz schools appeared, which worked on developing this script and spreading it. The two most famous scripts that appeared in the Arabic language are the Kufic script, which was distinguished by its rigidity, and the Hijazi script, which was characterized by ease. Initially, the script was not dotted, Until Abu Al-Aswad Al-Dawali came and put points on the letters.
Kufic script
- It is one of the most famous and oldest scripts, and its name came from the city of Kufa in Iraq. It is distinguished by its coordination and similarity of letters.
Naskh script:
- it was named Naskh because it was used frequently to copy books. The minister Ibn Muqla is considered the author of the foundations of this script. Among its characteristics: is the clarity and largeness of the letters, which ensures the correct reading.
Ruqʿah script
- It is a relatively modern Arabic calligraphy invented by the Ottomans in the year 1863 AD. The Ruqʿah script is easy to read, fast to write, and without complexity. It is the most common script and is written in most Arab countries except the Maghreb countries.
Persian script
- It is found in Persia, and its characteristics are accurate and extended letters, far from complexity, ease, and clarity.
Thuluth script
- One of the most complex scripts in writing, and the most wonderful in shape. This is because most of the letters have several forms in writing. Due to its difficulty and need for a long time in writing, its usage was limited to titles and some Quranic verses.
Moroccan script
- It spreads in the countries of North Africa and is considered mainly in the countries of the Maghreb, hence its name. One of its characteristics is the roundness of its letters.
Al-Diwani script
- it was called Diwani about the court of the Ottoman Sultan, where this script was used in writing the Royal Correspondence, and it is cloned from the script of the Ruqa’a script. It was singled out to specialize in the writings of the Royal Patents, and the orders of the Court.
How to add these scripts to your collections of fonts on your computer?
- First, you need to download them and there are several online resources where you can get these fonts. (*.ttf format)
- Once you downloaded them. Go to Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Fonts. Save them there.
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