Arabic Calligraphy: Learn Kufic Script
A course by Joumana MedlejCalligraphy Artist
A course by Joumana Medlej, Calligraphy Artist
Explore the ancient Arabic script style of Kufic by learning to write a short text using traditional artistic practices
Kufic is a style of Arabic calligraphy that was born during the Islamic Golden Age. It emphasizes beauty in its composition, blending harmony of proportion and consistency of form. Though the style of Kufic script has faded over the last thousand years, artist Joumana Medlej keeps the practice alive, specializing and teaching the artistic techniques behind this lost art.
Travel back in time to uncover the beauty and mystery of Arabic calligraphy. Join Joumana and learn how to write an inspiring message in Kufic script adorned with traditional markings and colors.
What will you learn in this online course?
17 lessons & 21 downloads
Pen, Ink and Other Tools
9 minutes, 30 seconds
Choosing and Preparing the Paper
7 minutes, 11 seconds
Basic Shapes
7 minutes, 6 seconds
The Letters
17 minutes, 43 seconds
Connecting the Letters: Structural Changes
13 minutes, 19 seconds
Stylistic Ligatures
19 minutes, 23 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Joumana. Hear her story about how she got started, why she turned her focus to Kufic tradition and her background as an artist and a professional.
Joumana begins by introducing the types of tools and paper needed for the course. Practice with some drawing exercises to warm up and explore the basic shapes that are the foundation for creating any letter.
Enter the world of Kufic manuscript with Jouamana as she teaches the complete alphabet and rules of spacing and stretching. Learn the script grammar and understand how letters can change when combined together. Discover the best ways to practice Kufic manuscript to develop your muscle memory.
Begin writing your Kufic script by defining the surface of your page, which serves a guide. Decide on the message you want to convey through your writing and compose your manuscript in pencil. Once you are happy with your writing, finalize your calligraphy in ink.
Then, begin uncovering the many layers of Kufic markings— special characters revealing sound and meaning that act as attractive and colorful details. Add the final touches to your text by adding punctuation and vocalization marks, known as harakât. To wrap up the course, Joumana shows you other ways to explore Kufic as an art form by demonstrating different artistic approaches.
What is this course's project?
Create a page layout with a quote in traditional Kufic script, including its punctuation and design.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in early Arabic calligraphy or scripts. This course is also ideal for those who would like to explore a meditative activity rich in history and culture.
Requirements and materials
No previous knowledge is required. Knowledge of Arabic script is helpful, but not mandatory.
To take this course, you need a reed pen, black ink, and smooth paper.
Reviews
- 30 days ago
Professionally made ty jumana amazing
- 3 months ago
Great course for beginners to alphabet - calligrapy of Arabic which Quran first written.
- 7 months ago
A wonderfully designed course. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn Kufi script. While learning Kufi script, you will feel like you've taken a journey back in time, hundreds of years. Thanks to the instructor for the fluent and understandable lessons and learning materials.
- 9 months ago
I highly recommend this course. Very easy to follow and the delivery of the course is concise & clear. Joumana has been very generous with her knowledge and information. Thank you.
- sam81PLUS9 months ago
Very easy to understand and learn just by watching and explaining how .
Joumana teaches Manuscript Kufic and Square Kufic at the Arab British Centre and her studio in the UK, rediscovering traditional inks and paints along the way. She has collaborated with Apple, Amnesty, the Khayrallah Center at NCSU, BBC Arabic, and the Royal Hashemite Court of Jordan, among others.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Background and Essentials
- Pen, Ink and Other Tools
- Choosing and Preparing the Paper
- Basic Shapes
- U3
Learning the Script
- The Letters
- Connecting the Letters: Structural Changes
- Stylistic Ligatures
- Spacing and Stretching
- U4
Writing a Page
- Constructing the Text Box
- Selecting and Preparing the Text
- Making a Full-Size Draft
- Writing the Page 1
- Writing the Page 2
- U5
Finishing Touches and Taking It Forward
- Vocalisation Marks (Red Dots)
- Punctuation (Golden Motifs)
- Making the Script Your Own
- FP
Final project
- Arabic Calligraphy: Learn Kufic Script
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FAQs
Kufic calligraphy is the oldest form of Arabic script, known for its geometric, angular style. It holds great historical and artistic significance, influencing Islamic art and manuscript traditions from the early Islamic period.
This course is designed for intermediate learners with some prior exposure to calligraphy basics, but ambitious beginners motivated to learn traditional techniques can also benefit.
You’ll need a bamboo pen, smooth paper (preferably A3), ink (such as galnut or gouache), a ruler, and basic drawing tools. Some lessons cover how to prepare natural inks and select the right materials.
You’ll learn to prepare calligraphy materials, master Kufic pen techniques, construct Arabic letterforms, apply historical and contemporary design principles, create manuscript layouts, and experiment with pattern and illumination.
Traditional apprenticeship emphasizes learning by assisting a master and practicing hands-on, while formal training is more structured and curriculum-driven. This course incorporates both approaches for effective skill development.
Yes, the course includes lessons on collecting natural materials, preparing galnut ink, choosing appropriate paper, and making your own calligraphy tools.
Yes, you’ll be taught proper pen grip, posture, movement, and warm-up exercises to ensure consistent and accurate Kufic strokes.