tThe Nasta`Liq Script: The Historical Roots And Artistic Characteristics

Abstract

Nasta’liq script, which developed from the old ta’liq script is one of the most mature styles of Arabic calligraphy since it could be written in different sizes, starting from the very minute size used in miniature paintings to jali size applied on monuments. Nasta’liq has many distinguished artistic features that differentiate it from other cursive styles. One of these features, and perhaps the most notable one, is the inclination of its upright letters toward the right from top while the same letters in the other styles lean towards left. Nasta’liq is used widely in copying works of literature and official documents written mainly in Persian, in Ottoman Turkish and sometimes in Arabic. Nasta’liq is written in different styles of which the most widely spread is the Persian madrasa, then the Othman madrasa followed by Indian/Pakistani and Shami.