A KUFIC SCRIPT GUIDE

‘Kūfic script, in calligraphy, earliest extant Islamic style of handwritten alphabet that was used by early Muslims to record the Qur’ān. This angular, slow-moving, dignified script was also used on tombstones and coins as well as for inscriptions on buildings.’

Developed in the Iraqi city of Kufa. Centuries ago, concern arose regarding the altering of letterforms each time the Qur'an was reproduced, and how this could affect the way readers interpreted it. In response, a style of calligraphy was created that would ensure consistency when reproducing early copies of the sacred scripture of Islam: it was called Kufic script.

Kufic script is characterized by its angular, rectilinear letterforms and its horizontal orientation. There are many different versions, such as square Kufic, floriated Kufic, and knotted Kufic. “Kufic script was the first Arabic script to consciously be made beautiful,” says Joumana. “It gives the page a majestic stillness and nourishes the soul with meaning and beauty”.