Naskh Script Foundation (Apr – May) (Online)

About: The Naskh script

The Naskh script, known for its clear and balanced style, has played an important role in Arabic calligraphy, especially in manuscript and Qur’anic writing. Recognized as one of the six major scripts in Arabic calligraphy, Naskh evolved over centuries, becoming the standard for transcribing religious texts due to its readability and refined aesthetics.

This workshop provides a complete introduction to Naskh, starting with a presentation about Arabic calligraphy and its tools, then crafting and preparing essential tools like reed pens and inkwells, ensuring participants start with a strong foundation.

Participants will begin their hands-on journey based on their skill levels. Guided step by step, they will learn to write individual letters, understand stroke sequences, form connections between letters, and eventually write complete sentences in the Naskh style. As they progress, they will practice common phrases. The course also introduces students to the basics of line composition and layout, helping them structure their work harmoniously.

Designed to follow a student-centered pace, the course includes optional homework with personalized feedback, reflecting the master-student approach. By exploring the historical significance of Naskh and practicing its technical foundations, participants will gain both practical skills and an appreciation for this timeless art. The course will conclude with a final project where students apply their knowledge to create a calligraphy piece, bringing together everything they have learned.

Learning Objectives:

1. Introduction to the Art
   • Understand the traditional curriculum and principles of Islamic calligraphy.
2. Master the Tools
   • Get familiar with essential calligraphy tools.
   • Learn how to prepare and maintain reed pens, ink, and writing surfaces.
3. Develop Writing Skills
   • Practice writing individual letters.
   • Learn how to form letter connections.
   • Learn to write short sentences
4. Practicing Words and Sentences
   • Work on common phrases and duaas.
   • Get introduced to line composition and layout basics.
5. Create a Final Piece
   • Learn how to create a painting template.
   • Apply learned skills to produce a simple calligraphy artwork.
6. Learn Historical Insights
   • Gain insight into the historical evolution of Islamic calligraphy, focusing on the Naskh script.
7. Set Future Goals
   • Define personalized learning objectives to continue improving your calligraphy.

Learning Outcomes:

• Gain a foundational understanding of the Arabic calligraphy and Naskh script and its historical importance.
• Become familiar with preparing reed pens and maintaining essential calligraphy tools.
• Write individual letters, words, and sentences in the Naskh style.
• Understand the basics of layout and composition in Naskh, including line structure, spacing, and balance.
• Learn to maintain consistent stroke sequences and proportions for balanced, aesthetically pleasing writing.
• Learn how to work with ahaar paper.
• Create a calligraphy artwork using the Naskh script, applying learned techniques in a final project.
• Define clear learning goals and receive expert guidance on how to continue improving their calligraphy skills beyond the workshop.

Certificate: 

Please note that you should attend at least 90% of the hours to receive your attendance certificate for this course.

Workshop Rules and Regulations: 

• The fee includes all the learning hours and materials that will be supplied in the course.
• No refunds are acceptable and you need to attend the specified hours and times listed on this page.

Details:

Workshop Dates and Times: 

• Sundays: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
  • 10.5 hours of learning, 210 AED
  • April 13, 20, 27; May 4, 11, 18, 25
• Thursdays: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
  • 10.5 hours of learning, 210 AED
  • April 17, 24; May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Location:  

• Online – Zoom

Tutor: Elif Hale Gökçen

Elif Hale Gökçen is a calligraphy artist specializing in Thuluth, Naskh, and Jali Thuluth scripts. Her interest in calligraphy began at an early age, inspired by a profound admiration for the discipline and elegance of classical Islamic script. She studied Thuluth and Naskh with Ustadh Ahmed Fares Rezq and continues her practice under his guidance.

Elif holds a degree in Computer Engineering. She has also undergone three years of focused training in traditional illumination (tezhip) and one year of oil painting, further deepening her technical understanding of composition, color application, and design.

Recognized by the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Türkiye as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage, she has exhibited her works both domestically and internationally. In 2022, she launched an online gallery to share her digital calligraphy works with art enthusiasts. She remains deeply committed to preserving the classical style of calligraphy.