Last updated 17 March 2004

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Calligraphy

Calligraphy is the most revered art form in the Islamic world because it links the literary heritage of the Arabic language with the religion of Islam. The result is an artistic tradition of extraordinary beauty, richness and power.

When written without dots and diacritical points, Arabic script can look flat and barren. But when the dots and diacritical points are  added, the script takes on a very artistic quality.  Arabic lettering has achieved a high level of sophistication, and Arabic scripts can vary from flowing cursive styles like Naskh and Thuluth to the angular Kufi.

Most texts used in the classical style of Arabic calligraphy are drawn from scriptures from the Koran

Letters are twisted and shaped to form recognizable figures out of words

	The logo for the Walimeh Restaurant in Beirut
This modern abstract style is a blend of Arabic letters that do not form recognizable words, yet conform closely to the rules of classic calligraphy
Found this in CedarJet 2004
	Human figures in Islam are not encouraged because of the association with idols and statues. In places of worship  no figures, pictures or statues are allowed. Artists channel their energy, and creativity by creating stunning ornaments relying heavily on geometry
Ornaments are mostly made by repeating a geometric unit to form the complete picture. Angles of 30, 45, 60 are used to draw triangles confined through an imaginary circle. Solid colour fill is an added attraction  to house and Mosque decoration
	Two birds with arabic letters forming some of the feathers