Timeline of Arabic Script and Kufic Calligraphy
Here is a timeline of the historical developments of the Arabic script and Kufic calligraphy, enriched with additional information, relics, and milestones:
| Time Period | Development | Key Relics and Examples |
| 4th Century CE | Early Arabic script emerges, influenced by the Nabataean script, which itself derives from the Aramaic script. | Nabataean inscriptions in Petra (modern-day Jordan) show the transition from Aramaic to early Arabic forms. |
| 6th Century CE | Pre-Islamic Arabic script develops further, used for inscriptions | The Namara Inscription (328 CE), an early Arabic inscription, is a key example of pre-Islamic script. |
| 7th Century CE | Kufic calligraphy becomes the primary script for transcribing the Quran. | Early Quranic manuscripts in Kufic script, such as fragments found in the Great Mosque of Sana’a, Yemen. |
| 7th Century CE (Later) | Abu al-Aswad al-Du’ali introduces diacritical marks to the Arabic script to ensure accurate Quranic recitation. | Early Quranic manuscripts with diacritical marks, attributed to Abu al-Aswad’s system. |
| 8th Century CE | Kufic calligraphy becomes widely used across the Islamic empire for Quranic manuscripts and architectural inscriptions. | The Samarkand Quran (8th century), one of the oldest surviving Quranic manuscripts in Kufic script. |
| 9th Century CE | Decorative Kufic styles emerge, incorporating geometric and floral motifs. The Blue Quran is produced, showcasing the luxurious use of Kufic script. | The Blue Quran (9th century), written in gold Kufic script on indigo-dyed parchment, believed to have been created in North Africa. |
| 10th Century CE | Ibn Muqla develops the principles of proportion in Arabic calligraphy, influencing the transition from Kufic to cursive scripts. | Manuscripts and inscriptions reflecting Ibn Muqla’s proportional system. |
| 11th Century CE | Ibn al-Bawwab refines Kufic and other scripts, elevating the artistic quality of Quranic manuscripts. | Quranic manuscripts attributed to Ibn al-Bawwab, showcasing his mastery of Kufic and cursive scripts. |
| 13th Century CE | Yaqut al-Musta’simi perfects the use of the reed pen and introduces innovations in script design, marking the culmination of classical Kufic calligraphy. | Manuscripts and inscriptions by Yaqut al-Musta’simi, demonstrating his innovations in Kufic and other scripts. |
| Seljuk Period (11th–13th Century CE) | Square Kufic (Ma’qili/murabba/bennai) style develops, used extensively in architectural decorations. | Architectural inscriptions in Square Kufic, such as those on Seljuk mosques and madrasas. |
| Mamluk Period (13th–16th Century CE) | Memluki Kufic style emerges, characterized by intricate and ornate designs. | Mamluk-era Quranic manuscripts and architectural inscriptions in Memluki Kufic. |
| Ottoman Period (14th–20th Century CE) | Square Kufic continues to be used in Ottoman architecture, blending with other decorative elements. | Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, such as the Süleymaniye Mosque, featuring Square Kufic inscriptions. |
| Modern Era (20th–21st Century) | Kufic calligraphy inspires contemporary art, graphic design, and architecture. | Modern artworks, public installations, and digital designs incorporating Kufic-inspired elements. |