Hüsn-i Hat in Germany

The word ‘hat’, meaning ‘writing, line, path’, has long referred to the art of writing Arabic script in a refined, aesthetic manner. Classical sources also describe calligraphy as ‘spiritual geometry performed with physical tools’.

Arabic script developed from the Phoenician alphabet and took root across the Arabian Peninsula in two distinct styles. Before Islam, the Meşk and Cezm scripts were in common use. With the advent of Islam, writing underwent remarkable refinement and gradually reached the level of a sophisticated art form.

The Meşk style—with its rounded, fluid forms—became widespread in everyday documents and flourished during the Umayyad era in Damascus. Under the Abbasids, scientific and cultural activities in Baghdad further advanced the craft, while Ibn Mukle formally codified calligraphic rules at the end of the 8th century. In the 9th century, Ibn al-Bawwāb refined these rules and introduced a new visual elegance.

During the 13th century, Yakut al-Mustasimi perfected the six canonical scripts (Aklam-ı Sitte) by carving pen tips at an angle, lending more grace to each letter. After Yakut, the scripts spread across Egypt, Syria, Iran and Anatolia. In the Ottoman Empire, masters such as Şeyh Hamdullah, Hafız Osman and Mustafa Rakım elevated Hüsn-i Hat to a golden age that still inspires today.

The Aklam-ı Sitte comprises six principal styles: Sülüs, Nesih, Muhakkak, Reyhani, Tevki and Rika. Additional scripts such as Ta'lik, Nesta'lik, Divani, Celî Divani, Rik'a and Siyakat are also embraced within the calligraphic tradition.

Hazrat Ali is quoted as saying, ‘Beautiful script is hidden in the teaching of the master. Its perfection lies in constant practice, and its permanence in remaining within the faith of Islam.’ Learning from a qualified teacher, therefore, remains at the heart of mastering Hüsn-i Hat.

Calligraphy relies on carefully prepared pens, paper and ink. Reed and bamboo pens are shaped for writing; larger scripts (cəlî) employ specific hardwood pens. Tools such as the makta (a resting board) and sharp knives help form the nib.

Traditional soot-based ink remains popular, although acrylic inks now feature in modern practice. Inkwells made of glass, ceramic or plastic support daily work, while papers are dyed, sized and burnished to achieve the ideal writing surface—accompanied by numerous auxiliary tools that ease the process.