Arabic Calligraphy / Calligraphic Schools

‘Among the most important and widespread calligraphic scripts are the kufic, naskhi and thuluth types.’

After the dawn of Islam, and throughout the subsequent centuries, Arabic calligraphy developed into numerous schools that varied in type. Among the most important and widespread are the kufic, naskhi and thuluth scripts. While kufic was the earliest of the three, suitable for calligraphic works, it was not appropriate for utilitarian tasks. This led to the development of the naskhi script, which was widely used in the practical fields of daily civic life.

NameDynastyDetailsJustification
Pair of inscriptionsFatimid / NormanRegional Gallery of Sicily, Abatellis Palace
Palermo, Italy
Two fragments of an inscription in cursive Arabic naskhi script that invite the visitor to admire the Norman Royal Palace in Palermo and its ruler.
Diplomatic document with caseHegira 1067–8 / between May AD 1657 and January AD 1658OttomanSwedish National Archives
Stockholm, Sweden
This Turkish diplomatic document written by the Ottoman vizier to the Swedish court is in the 'diwani' style of Arabic calligraphy.
Album of Ahmed KarahisariHegira 10th century / AD 16th centuryOttomanMuseum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
The Album shows the mastery of the calligrapher Karahisari, sampling a variety of scripting styles including kufic, naskhi, thuluth and muhaqqaq.