What are the different types of Kufi calligraphy?

Kufic calligraphy is an early form of Arabic script characterized by its angular and geometric letterforms. It originated in the city of Kufa in Iraq during the 7th century and has evolved into various styles over time. Each style has unique characteristics and is often used for different artistic and cultural purposes. Here are some of the different types of Kufic calligraphy:

1. Naskh Kufi:

   • Naskh Kufi is a refined and more readable version of the traditional Kufic script. It emerged as a result of the need for a more legible script, particularly for copying the Quran. Naskh Kufi maintains the geometric shapes of Kufic but features more rounded and connected letters.

2. Eastern Kufi:

   • Eastern Kufi, also known as "Mashq" or "Eastern Kufic," is a style that developed in the eastern Islamic world, including regions like Persia (modern-day Iran). It is characterized by elongated and sometimes ornate letterforms, often seen in architectural inscriptions and manuscripts.

3. Maghrebi Kufi:

   • Maghrebi Kufi refers to the Kufic scripts that developed in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It often features square or block-like letters and is commonly found in architectural inscriptions on monuments and manuscripts.

4. Western Kufi:

   • Western Kufi refers to the Kufic scripts that developed in the western Islamic world, including regions like Spain. It exhibits variations in style, and like Maghrebi Kufi, it is often used in architectural inscriptions.

5. Muhaqqaq:

   • Muhaqqaq is a cursive style derived from the Kufic script. It features elongated and flowing letters with a high degree of ornamentation. Muhaqqaq is known for its use in copying the Quran, and it represents a more developed and refined form of Arabic calligraphy.

6. Square Kufic:

   • Square Kufic, also known as "Kufi Murabba'" or "Kufic Jali," is a highly geometric and abstract style where letters are often arranged in a grid or square format. It is commonly used for architectural ornamentation, creating patterns, and designs.

7. Eastern Andalusian Kufi:

   • This style developed in the eastern regions of Andalusia, Spain. It is characterized by its distinct geometric forms and is often seen in historical manuscripts and architectural inscriptions in the region.

8. Western Andalusian Kufi:

   • Developed in the western regions of Andalusia, Spain, this style exhibits variations in the design of letters and is associated with historical manuscripts and inscriptions from the period of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula.

These are just a few examples of the diverse types of Kufic calligraphy. Each style has its own historical, cultural, and regional influences, making Kufic calligraphy a rich and varied tradition within the broader realm of Arabic calligraphy.