About
Muhaqqaq is one of the principal scripts of Arabic calligraphy and one of the great scripts associated with the writing of the Qur’an. Distinguished by its clarity, majesty and beauty, it reached remarkable artistic refinement in the hands of great masters such as Ibn al-Bawwab, Yaqut al-Musta‘simi and Ahmed Karahisari.
This specialised workshop will introduce participants to the history and artistic principles of Muhaqqaq, exploring its artistic features that make it different from Thuluth through selected visual examples from splendid Qur’anic manuscripts.
Participants will:
- Explore the main characteristics of Muhaqqaq and how it differs from Thuluth.
- Examine the styles of Ibn al-Bawwab and Yaqut al-Musta‘simi through selected Qur’anic examples.
- Learn and practice the essential principles of Muhaqqaq through writing the Basmala.
Key Information
Who is this workshop for?
Previous experience in Arabic calligraphy is recommended. This course is designed for students with intermediate to advanced familiarity with calligraphy, and we will not cover preparing basic materials such as the pen and ink.
You must be aged 18 or over to participate in our programmes.
How many people can attend?
14 people
What days/times do I attend?
Saturday, 3 October 2026, 10:00 – 16:30
What materials do I need?
Participants are asked to bring:
- Your own prepared reed pens (qalam), with 3 mm and 5 mm nib sizes (please note we will not be preparing pens in class)
- Your usual inkwell and black ink.
All other materials will be provided, including paper.
Wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting slightly messy. Avoid wearing baggy clothing (especially sleeves), loose jewellery, high heels or open-toed shoes.
Where will this course take place?
This course will take place at our studios at The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, 19-22 Charlotte Road, London EC2A 3SG.
FAQs
Do you offer concessions?
Yes, we offer concessions for Seniors/60+, full-time students and people who are unemployed/in receipt of benefits.
Concessions cannot be applied in retrospect. To receive a concession, please apply via our online form. We will then send you a discount code to use when booking your space.
Terms & Conditions
The School reserves the right to discontinue or suspend a Course up to fourteen (14) calendar days before the advertised start date of the Course. This course requires a minimum number of enrollments to run.
Our normal terms and conditions apply.
Tutor Biography
Dr Nassar Mansour, Ph.D., born in 1967 in Amman, Jordan, is a master calligrapher and is one of the most accomplished contemporary calligraphers in the Arab world. Mansour was the first Jordanian to obtain the traditional ijazah in Islamic calligraphy from the Turkish master Hasan Celebi in 2003. He later received his doctorate on the Arabic script Muhaqqaq from the King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, London. Nassar is known for his academic works on Arabic calligraphy as well as his role in reviving the Muhaqqaq script and is the author of Amshaq al-Khatt al-Muhaqqaq. His artworks are in the permanent collections of the British Museum, London, The Contemporary Museum of Calligraphy, Moscow, Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, Amman, The Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, and many international private collections.
