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.
Pair of inscriptions

Fatimid / Norman
Regional 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.