Kufic script is one of the oldest forms of Arabic calligraphy, developed between the 7th & 10th centuries. Derived from the Iraqi town of Al-Kufa, it was a preferred script for writing the Qur’an & is still used by artists today. A thread on the art & heritage of Kufic script…
Kufic script is one of the most recognisable & exquisite scripts of Arabic calligraphy. It is so revered & foundational that medieval Egyptian encyclopedist Al-Qalqashandi declared “The Arabic script is the one which is now known as Kufic. From it evolved all the present pens”
Kufic script was developed around the 7th century CE, where it was extensively used to copy the Qur’an by the orders of the Caliph, Uthman ibn Affan.
Folio from the Tashkent Qur'an, late 8th–early 9th century From one of the oldest Qur'an manuscripts in existence in LACMA Collection.
According to scholars, the name Kufic is derived from the southern Iraqi town of Al-Kufa — a powerhouse of Arab scholarship and cultural learning in the medieval era — where this script was created.
Qurʾan, twenty-one leaves Iraq, before 911 in Morgan Library Collection
For a long time, the Kufic script was used for writing Qur’anic manuscripts. Its leaves would have been initially produced from calves’ and goats’ skin, also known as parchment. Page from a large Qur’an in Kufic script Syria late 8th - early 9th century AD from Ashmolean Museum Collection.
Stylistically this bold angular form of calligraphy is characterized by short vertical & elongated horizontal strokes. A famous example of Kufic script in its classical sense is the Blue Qur’an a 9th c manuscript probably produced in Tunisia.
Folio from Blue Qur'an, Chester Beatty Museum Collection
Historically, calligraphers used the reed (or kamish) pen as a key writing utensil, dipped in black or red ink. Qur'an leaf in Eastern Kufic script Iran, Date 11th century (1001–1100) from Art Institute Chicago Collection.
The Mahgribi Kufic script is a slight modification, and features a significant amount of curves and loops as opposed to the original Arabic Kufic script Qur'an Manuscript Folio 800s North Africa, Aghlabid or Abbasid, 9th century from Cleveland Art Museum.
As well as used as the script for Qur’an copying, it was also used for monuments & decoration of buildings, because of the rigidity of the script & its ease for execution as carving on stones, tiles or bricks. Carving from Alhambra Palace, Spain.
The Minaret of Jam is a UNESCO world heritage site in western Ghor province of Afghanistan. Built in 12th century, the decoration of this 62m tall minaret consists of alternating bands of kufic and naskhi calligraphy, geometric patterns, and verses from the Qur'an.
Due to the arrival of more cursive Arabic scripts, use of the Kufic script declined in the 12th century. But it never lost its visual appeal. Here are contemporary artists redefining Kufic script today... Kufic calligraphy by contemporary artist Nokta Sannat.
Joumana Medlej is a British-Lebanese artist best known for her work with Kufic scripts. She has a deep connection to this tradition was awakened during the years she assisted a master calligrapher in his Beirut workshop.
Turkish artist Sarina Ghazaei is an expert in traditional Kufic script. She is redefining this artform, making it relevant today.
Iranian artist Asie Raeiszade is redefining the traditional Kufic script with bold colours and pattern.
Turkish artist Merve Akpinar Toku is trained in the traditional art of Kufic script, creating a new bold distinctive style for today.
Born in Tehran Sasan Nasernia turns Arabic letters into an abstract language, creating a new concept called Crazy Kufik & deconstructs the rules of Arabic & Persian writing.
Pakistani artist Shamail specialises in Kufic Arabic script. He is passionate about expressing the beauty of the written word, making the artform relevant to contemporary styles.
Turkish artist Sanaz Alborzi is a specialist in traditional Kufic script. She has redefined this artform on her own terms creating beautiful works that combine traditional skill with contemporary style.
Turkish artist Erman Yordam is a mosque interior designer as well as Islamic calligraphy specialist. He has an eye for detail, creating bold shapes out of the distinctive Kufic script.
Artist Hatem Arafa redefines Kufic script with his original style • تجربة كوفية.. "وَاصْبِرْ لِحُكْمِ رَبِّكَ فَإِنَّكَ بِأَعْيُنِنَا" الطور - 48 "And be patient, [O Muhammad], for the decision of your Lord, for indeed, you are in Our eyes" Surah At-Tur - 48
Artist Aisha H Mason is redefining Kufic through stitch. She is interested in the stories found in textiles and explores this through words in the form of Kufic calligraphy.
Iranian artist Mahdieh Sharifi honours the art of Kufic script, alongside her passion and skill for her unique take on Persian and Arabic calligraphy.
