Manuscript Kufic Calligraphy


Immerse yourself in Manuscript Kufic, an early style of Arabic calligraphy that flourished during the Abbasid “Golden Age”. This course is based on the finest example of this architectural and spacious Qur’anic script which fell out of use almost a millenium ago. Under Joumana Medlej’s guidance you will learn to use the pen and gallnut ink associated with this style. The course then covers the complete script grammar, starting with each letter individually before showing how how they combine together. You'll practice with short sentences before designing and writing a short finished piece of your own, complete with red vowel marks and golden punctuation.

The course will leave you equipped to continue practicing in the historical tradition, or to explore in more personal directions. All materials are provided, and you can take your pen and ink home in the end.


Meet Your Tutor

Joumana Medlej is an artist from Lebanon whose connection with early Arabic calligraphy was awakened by years spent working with master calligrapher Samir Sayegh in his Beirut studio. She specialises in the Kufic scripts, roughly corresponding to the Abbasid era, and in the materials of the time, having abandoned store-bought paints for the old ways of natural colour-making. She studies both scripts and art technology directly from primary sources, and is now drawing on her practitioner’s experience to translate medieval Arabic manuals and bring the voices of past masters to a general audience. 

Joumana has pieces in private and public collections from California to the Middle East. She teaches Kufic calligraphy at the Arab British Centre and related workshops in various institutions. 

See more at http://majnouna.com/



Course Overview


Thursday classes will be held through Zoom. Classes will be recorded and available to watch back for one month after. Saturday classes will be held at the Arab British Centre in London.


Thursday 16 April | Online | 6-8pm

Historical introduction and some groundwork

Saturday 18 April | 10am-5pm | In-person at the Arab British Centre

Writing the letters

Thursday 23 April I Online | 6-8pm

Introduction to the script grammar, historical layout and variant scripts

Saturday 25 April | 10am-5pm | In-person at the Arab British Centre

Writing words and sentences; finished piece


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Student Feedback from Joumana's Past Courses



"Joumana is an amazing instructor and her insight into Kufi is very valuable"

"The course was excellent and Joumana is a wonderful teacher"



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