Ruq'ah or
Riq'a (
Arabic:
الرقعة) is a
calligraphic variety of
Arabic script. The Ruq`ah style of handwriting is one of the "modern" types of handwriting. It is known for its clipped letters composed of short straight lines and simple curves, as well as its straight and even lines of text. It was probably derived from the
Thuluth and
Naskh styles. It is clear and legible and is the easiest script for daily handwriting.
In the beginning, it was the most common for daily use. It is used in the titles of books and magazines, in commercial advertisements, and in the icazet's, diplomas awarded to students of calligraphy. It was widely used by Ottoman documents.