Characteristics

Kufic is a form of script consisting of straight lines and angles, often with elongated verticals and horizontals. It originally did not have consonant pointing distinguishing, for example, b, t, and th. It is still employed in Islamic countries though it has undergone a number of alterations over the years and also displays regional differences. The difference between the Kufic script used in the Arabian Peninsula and that employed in North African states is very marked.

Occurrence

Kufic is commonly seen on Seljuk coins and monuments and on early Ottoman coins. Its decorative character led to its use as a decorative element in several public and domestic buildings constructed prior to the Republican period in Turkey.

The current Flag of Iraq uses Kufic script to write ﷲ أكبر Allahu Akbar. The Kufic was chosen as a neutral alternative to the old flag's version of the motto, which is widely believed to be written in the hand of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein.

Gallery

See also

• Arabic calligraphy
• Bab Agnaou

External links

• Kufic alphabet http://www.fromoldbooks.org/Fry-Pantographia/pages/p004/
• On The Origins Of The Kufic Script
• Islamic Calligraphy Kufic & script types
• Kufic Script
• Square Kufic types
• Square Kufic Script
• Traditional Turk-Islam Arts
• Kufic Encyclopedia