Calligraphy





















In this course we introduce the beginner to Arabic calligraphy. We review the history of calligraphy and how it has evolved into a myriad of styles and art forms. We also study how the script has developed out of the role played by the Holy Qur’an and the solid link forged between religion and language. We expose the student to many styles while focusing primarily on Ruq'ah, the most common style of Arabic calligraphy.

Course duration:
Classes are from Monday to Thursday for 2 hours each.

Programs will begin on the following dates:
1 June 2010
6 July 2010
10 August 2010
14 September 2010
19 October 2010
16 November 2010


ARABIC is written from right to left. There are 18 distinct letter shapes, which vary slightly depending on whether they are connected to another letter before or after them. There are no "capital" letters.

The full alphabet of 28 letters is created by placing various combinations of dots above or below some of these shapes. (An animated version of the alphabet shows the correct way to move the pen).

The three long vowels are included in written words but the three short vowels are normally omitted – though they can be indicated by marks above and below other letters.

Although the Arabic alphabet as we know it today appears highly distinctive, it is actually related to the Latin, Greek, Phoenician, Aramaic, Nabatian alphabets. Other languages – such as Persian, Urdu and Malay – use adaptations of the Arabic script.

The numerals used in most parts of the world – 1, 2, 3, etc – were originally Arabic, though many Arab countries use Hindi numerals.

The following four lessons (part of the Babel course) give a fair idea of what is involved in learning to read and write Arabic