Looking at different Arabic script, I was able to find 6 different main scripts, which are:
- Kufi script
- Naskh script
- Thulth script
- Nasta’liq script
- Riq’a script
- Diwani script
I was more interested to look at the Naskh script and the Riq’a script since it feels more like handwritten rather than total calligraphic style, mostly because we’ve learned to write like this in schools. I’m more interested towards typefaces that looks more like handwritten.
Little about ‘Naskh script’:
“naskhī script, Islāmic style of handwritten alphabet developed in the 4th century of the Islāmic era (i.e., the 10th century ad). From the beginning of Islāmic writing, two kinds of scripts existed side by side—those used for everyday correspondence and business and those used for copying the Qurʾān. Naskhī script is a cursive style developed from the earliest everyday business scripts. It has remained perhaps the most popular script in the Arab world. Naskhī is a legible, stately script with emphasis on a horizontal line and on the proportions between letters.”
(Pronounced “nask”; Turkish–Nesih)
Meaning: “Naskh” is derived from the verb “nasakha,” meaning “to transcribe or copy”
Uses:
- Naskh eventually replaced Kufic as the script of choice for the Koran; now more Korans are written in Naskh than in all other scripts combined
- Popular for writing books because of its legibility
- Adapted for printing, it is still the most common font in printed Arabic
Companion script: Thuluth is the larger script often used in conjunction with naskh
Timeline:
- Developed in the 10th century
- Refined by Seyh Hamdullah in the 15th century
- Still in use today
Distinctive characteristics:
- Small script, neat and balanced
- Letter shapes are more fluid and curved than rayhani
- Letters lean slightly to the left
- Descending letters end in an upward hook
- Equal division between flat and round shapes and heavy and light strokes
- Highly legible, clear and quick to write
Notes:
- Called the “servant of the Koran” because it is used so often for copying this holy book
- Because the letter shapes in naskh are based on different proportions than the other scripts, it is hard to learn to write naskh well
Variation of the naskh includes:
- Thuluth is developed as a display script to decorate particular scriptural objects. Letters have long vertical lines with broad spacing. The name reference to the x-height, which is one third of the ‘alif.[3]
- Riq’ah is a handwriting style derived from naskh and thuluth, first appeared in the 9th century. The shape is simple with short strokes and little flourishes.[3]
- Muhaqqaq is a majestic style used by accomplished calligrapher. It was considered one of the most beautiful script, as well as one of the most the difficult to execute. It is commonly used during the mamluk era, but the use become largely restricted to short phrases, such as basmallah, from the 18th century onward.[12]
Below are some examples of Naskh script:
Since I’m interested in handwritten style of typefaces, a typeface that is cursive but still easy to read, and has a playful approach, I thought that Naskh script would be a good inspiration. I’m thinking of designing a typefaces that is playful, simple and would also fit my culture. I’m thinking of developing the typeface for my brand identity, however, I’m still not sure If I’ll do that or chose another concept.
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_calligraphy#Naskh>
<http://calligraphyqalam.com/styles/thuluth-naskh.html>
<http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/403972/naskhi-script>.
Lolwa JA 