This introductory course offers participants a guided journey into the world of Thuluth calligraphy, one of the most elegant and revered scripts in the Islamic calligraphic tradition. The course focuses on the classical practice of writing “Rabbiyessir” (ربّ يسّر ولا تعسّر), a supplication historically used by students as the opening exercise in their calligraphy training.
The phrase “Rabbiyessir,” meaning “My Lord, make it easy and do not make it difficult,” carries deep spiritual meaning and has long served as the traditional starting point for learning the basic strokes and letter connections of the Thuluth script.
Participants will explore the history of Islamic calligraphy and its development across centuries, including its use in mosque decoration, manuscript illumination, and architectural inscriptions. The course will also introduce the essential tools and materials of the calligrapher’s craft, including the reed pen (qalam), traditional ink, and specialised calligraphy paper.
Through guided practice sessions, students will learn the fundamental letterforms of the Thuluth script, understand proportional relationships using the classical dot-based measurement system, and develop awareness of composition and visual balance. By the end of the course, each participant will complete a calligraphic panel (levha) of the Rabbiyessir prayer, providing a meaningful and tangible introduction to the timeless art of Arabic calligraphy. No prior calligraphy experience is required.
By the end of this course, participants will understand the historical development of Thuluth calligraphy and its role within the broader tradition of Islamic art.
Students will learn how to identify and properly handle the traditional tools of Arabic calligraphy, including the reed pen, ink, and calligraphy paper. They will also become familiar with the fundamental letterforms and strokes of the Thuluth script.
Participants will study the classical dot-based measurement system used to define correct proportions of letters and will learn the principles of letter connection, spacing, and compositional balance within the Thuluth style.
The course will also encourage appreciation for the spiritual and cultural dimensions of calligraphy, particularly the tradition of beginning one’s practice with the Rabbiyessir supplication.
Upon completing the workshop, each participant will have produced a finished calligraphic panel featuring the Rabbiyessir prayer written in the Thuluth script, suitable for framing or display.
Participants will gain practical experience using traditional calligraphy tools and materials, providing a strong foundation for further independent practice.
They will also develop a foundational understanding of the structural principles of Thuluth calligraphy, including proportional relationships, stroke order, and rhythm of pen movement.
In addition, participants will leave the course with greater confidence to continue practising Thuluth calligraphy and a deeper appreciation of the meditative and spiritual dimensions of this artistic tradition.
Language: English
Schedule: Wednesdays | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
رسوم 6 جلسات ١٢ ساعة: ٢٤٠ درهم إماراتي
The course will be recorded, and the videos will be available two weeks after the course is completed.
Workshop Dates:
April: 8, 15, 22, 29
May: 6, 13
Elif Hale Gökçen is an Arabic calligraphy artist from Türkiye, based in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, with more than ten years of experience in the field of Arabic calligraphy. She works primarily in the Thuluth, Naskh, and Jali Thuluth scripts.
She studied Arabic calligraphy under Ustadh Ahmed Fares Rezq and holds a degree in Computer Engineering. In addition, she studied traditional illumination (tezhip) for three years and received one year of training in oil painting.
She has been recognised by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Türkiye as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. She has also received awards in international Arabic calligraphy competitions and has exhibited her work at art festivals and galleries in Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates.
She is the founder of Sincere Gallery and currently teaches Arabic calligraphy at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation in Fujairah.
Recommended Materials List (Online Class) – المواد التي تحتاجونها لهاذي الدورة
240,00 AED
13 in stock
