extract from smashing magazine(online)
Arabic calligraphy was originally a tool for communication, but with time it began to be used in architecture, decoration and coin design. It's evolution into these major roles was a reflection of the early Muslim's need to avoid, as their beliefs required, figures and pictorials that were used as idols before Islam was established in the Arabian Peninisula.
While the Arabic tribes preferred to memorize texts and poetry, the first Muslims tried to document their Holy Book (Qu'ran) using calligraphy scripts. Understanding the history of each script and how Arabic calligraphy evolved over the history of the Islamic Empire can expand our visual experience beyond the beautiful glyphs and forms.
Some scripts reflect the time period in which they were formed whilst others provide a geopgraphical insight into where the artwork was developed.
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