The art
Arabic calligraphy is the art of writing Arabic script fluidly to convey harmony, grace and beauty. It uses the 28 letters of the alphabet, written in cursive from right to left, and its letters can be stretched and reshaped into many forms.
It began as a way to make writing clear and readable, and grew into an Islamic Arab art for both traditional and modern work.
The tools
Traditional calligraphers use pens cut from reed or bamboo, the qalam, with ink made from honey, black soot and saffron, on handmade paper treated with starch, egg white and alum. Today markers and synthetic paint are used too, and spray paint carries the letters onto walls, signs and buildings.
Calligraphy also decorates marble and wood carving, embroidery and metalwork. Men and women of all ages practise it, learning at home, at school or as apprentices. UNESCO listed it in 2021 on a joint nomination from sixteen Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia.