Naskh Calligraphy – Full Academic Year

About Naskh Script

Naskh script, known for its clarity and balance, is one of the most prominent styles in the art of Arabic calligraphy. It has played a significant role in the writing of manuscripts and Qur’ans. As one of the six classical scripts of Arabic calligraphy, Naskh has evolved over the centuries to become the standard script for transcribing religious texts, distinguished by its clarity and refined visual beauty.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Naskh script, starting with an overview of Arabic calligraphy and its associated tools. Participants will then move on to preparing and crafting essential instruments such as reed pens and inkwells, ensuring a solid foundation built upon correct principles.

Based on their individual level, participants will embark on a hands-on journey, guided step by step in learning to write individual letters, understanding stroke sequences, and forming letter connections, progressing towards writing complete sentences in the Naskh style. They will also practice writing common phrases and gain an introduction to the basics of calligraphic composition and page layout, enabling them to produce balanced and well-structured works.

The course is designed to progress at a pace suited to each student’s level, with optional homework assignments and personalised feedback, reflecting the traditional “master and apprentice” approach. By combining historical insights into the importance of Naskh script with practical training in its technical foundations, participants will acquire both practical skills and a profound appreciation for this enduring art form. The course concludes with a final project in which each student creates an original piece using the skills they have learned."

Learning Objectives

Introduction to the Art

• Familiarization with the course structure, content, and the fundamental principles of Arabic calligraphy.

Mastering the Tools

• Introduction to the essential tools of Arabic calligraphy, such as the reed pen, inkwell, and writing surfaces.
• Learning how to cut, sharpen, and shape the reed pen.
• Understanding how to prepare ink and care for the tools and surfaces used.

Developing Writing Skills

• Practice in writing individual letters.
• Learning how to connect letters correctly.
• Understanding the placement of letters on the baseline.
• Exploring diacritical marks and their role in Naskh script.

Training on Words and Sentences

• Introduction to the basics of calligraphic composition and text arrangement

Writing short sentences.

• Practicing common phrases while maintaining correct proportions between letters.

Final Project

• Applying all acquired skills to produce a final artwork on Ahar paper.
• Learning how to correct mistakes and refine letters for a polished result.

Historical Context

• Gaining an understanding of the historical development of Arabic calligraphy, with a focus on Naskh script.
• Becoming familiar with the most important calligraphers who contributed to its evolution.

Future Goals

• Setting personal learning objectives to continue skill development in Arabic calligraphy.

Expected Outcomes

• Comprehensive understanding of Arabic calligraphy and the Naskh script, along with its historical significance.
• Mastery of preparing reed pens and maintaining essential tools.
• Ability to write letters, words, and sentences in Naskh script.
• Understanding of fundamental text layout principles such as baseline structure, spacing, and balance.
• Capability to maintain correct stroke sequences and proportions for aesthetically refined writing.
• Familiarity with the use of Muqahhar paper.

Course Details

Full Academic Year Schedule:

• Sunday: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM – Starting from September 21st
• Monday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Starting from September 15
• Wednesday: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Starting from 17th September

 

• Total Learning Hours: 37.5 Hours
• Tuition Fee: AED 20 per hour (Total: AED 750 for the complete course 750 dirhams for the full course.
• Frequency: Once a week

Course Duration and Holidays

For courses lasting more than five months, scheduled rest weeks are included to allow for continuity and reflection.

First Semester :

When Classes Take Place (students must attend at least 10% of course hours)
Sunday, Monday or Wednesday - 420 AED
Break Periods: 17–22 November 2025 and 18–24 January 2026
Detailed schedule will be shared after registration

Second Semester

(students must attend at least 10% of course hours)
You can choose Sunday or Monday. 

Sundays

5, 12, 19, 26 April; 3, 10, 17 May; 7, 14, 21 June

Time 

15:30 – 17:00

Mondays 

Apr 6, 13, 20, 27 May 4, 11, 18 Jun 1, 8, 15 

18:00 – 19:30

 The fees are 300 dirhams.

Break Period: 11–17 May 2026
Detailed schedule will be shared after registration
A payment link for the second semester will be made available at a later date Available exclusively to students who have completed the First Semester..

Educational Trip
The annual courses include an educational trip to Uzbekistan, offering a rich cultural and educational experience integrated into the curriculum.

Eligibility Requirements

• Presence The first term and the second term in full Regularly.
• Maintain an attendance rate of no less than 90%. % of programme hours.
• Commitment and perseverance in producing satisfactory artworks throughout the program.
• Recommendation from instructors based on the quality and consistency of the student’s work.

 

Certificate

A Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Certificate will be awarded only to participants of the annual courses, upon completion of at least 90% of the course hours.

School Location:

Al Taif Mall Business Center – 17th Floor

Instructor: Elif Hâle Gökçen

Elif Hâle Gökçen is a calligraphy artist specializing in Thuluth, Naskh, and Jali Thuluth scripts. Her journey in calligraphy began at an early age, driven by a deep admiration for the discipline and beauty of classical Islamic calligraphy. She studied Thuluth and Naskh under master calligrapher Ahmed Faris Rizq, under whose supervision she continues her training.

Thuluth and Naskh by Professor Ahmed Faris Rizk, and she is continuing her studies under his supervision.

Elif holds a degree in Computer Engineering and has also received intensive training: three years in traditional illumination (tezhip) and one year in oil painting, enriching her artistic understanding of composition, color application, and design.

A technician in composition, colour application and design.

She has been recognized by the Turkish Ministry of Culture as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage and has participated in both national and international exhibitions. In 2022, she launched a digital exhibition showcasing her calligraphic works to a wider audience of art enthusiasts. She remains committed to preserving the authenticity of classical calligraphy traditions.

Terms and Conditions

• Tuition fees include all learning hours and the materials provided during the in-person course.
• Fees are non-refundable under any circumstances.
• Attendance on the dates and times specified on this page is mandatory.