History of the Arabic Calligraphy:
The two characteristics that differentiate humans from other creatures are 1- Talking or language, and 2- Writing. Only humans can write. There are two theories about languages 1- they are man-made of 2- God taught all languages to Adam, who taught them to his children, I believe in the second theory. How many languages created in the last hundreds of years? The only language invented by the United Nations made out of 7 letters a few decades ago did not go anywhere. There are several theories on the initiation of Writing.
The history of Writing is very confusing, and there are several opinions on who started which language. But in brief, Writing was begun by the Egyptians in the form of pictures to represent certain conditions. This was then modified to the alphabet that represents words that talk about these pictures over the years of history. Arabic Writing was thought to start in the north through Cyriacs (Cyrianiya) and Arameans. This was then passed through the (Nabatis) to become known as al-Kufi, which is the oldest style of Arabic Writing. There are several other opinions; this is not the place to discuss.
This was the square Kufi style and was a rigid style with angles. This was modified to the rounded Kuffi by rounding the angles of which the Nasikh style evolved. Al-Nasikh style became the most popular and used style. It is the main style used to write books and the Holy Koran due to several characteristics. It became a reference to the other styles.
We cannot mention the Nasikh style without mentioning Abu Ali Mohamed ibn Ali ibn Muqlah the calligrapher Minister. One of the most talented calligraphers in the history of Arabic calligraphy brought this style in its final shape and format. He introduced measurements of the letters and the letter (Alef) as the measuring scale for this style. He was the Minister for 3 Khalifas but ended sadly to have his tongue and had amputated due to political reasons.
After the Nasikh, the Persians came up with the Farisi ( also called nastaaleeq) style a very unique and look natural but difficult style to master.
The Turks after the Turkish dynasty took over Introduced the Dewani ( with which the government decrees were written) and the Rokaa’ styles. The Rokaa’ style is the simplest and easiest style to learn.
Calligraphers are 1- Honorable 2- Special 3- reliable 4- trustworthy and 5- sensitive people.
The fact this art is associated with the holy Koran made Arabic calligraphy a holy art. A technique that will be preserved by the preservation of the Koran.