WRITING AND CALLIGRAPHY: FROM THE COSMOLOGY OF PRACTICAL FUNCTION TO THE SPECIFICITY OF ARTISTIC CREATIVITY STUDY OF ARABIC CALLIGRAPHY SKILLS AND PRACTICES

Abstract

Calligraphy is the art of perfecting writing from an ordinary style to a masterpiece. It is a universal art that was designed by Arabs and Arabic-speaking communities, especially during the golden age of Islamic civilization. It was during that time that many styles were developed, bringing with them diverse techniques with various mediums and practices. Thus, calligraphy was first practiced on parchment and hardened papers (Waraq Moukahar) and fabric. The Arabic calligraphy was subsequently drawn and engraved on marble, wood and metal for the decoration of palaces, mosques, political, and commercial spaces, even tombstones.

While the first vocation of art is education, calligraphy has surpassed its practical function of writing to teach men deeper values marked by spirituality and a renewed sense of beauty and aesthetics. The teaching and learning practices of calligraphy are not limited to a specific gender or age group, they therefore support socialization projects and strengthen the mechanisms for acquiring personal and psychological skills.