Naskh is one of the six major cursive Arabic scripts. Its origins can be traced back to the late eighth century AD and it is still in use today. In its earliest form Naskh was a utilitarian script, used mainly for correspondence, but during the tenth and eleventh centuries it was completely transformed by the elegant refinements of the great Abbasid calligraphers. The Ottoman Turks also considered Naskh the script most suited for copying the Qur'an. Throughout the Islamic world, there are more Qur'ans copied in Naskh than in all other Arabic scripts combined. For centuries, novice Arabic calligraphers have begun their training with the practice of Naskh, a tradition that continues today. This introductory workbook now makes it possible for everyone to learn and enjoy the beauty of Arabic calligraphy. Based on his experience of running workshops and demonstrations, Mustafa Ja'far has distilled the basics into an easy-to-follow, teach-yourself guide.
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