Introduction to Kufic script
in-person workshop with Elinor Aishah Holland
Jan 24, 2026 | 9:30 am - 12:30 pm ET | Diyanet Center of America, Lanham, MD
Open to all skill levels, ages 13 and up
Fee: $80 (with materials) | $55 (no materials)
Artwork by Elinor Aishah Holland ©
Course description
Learn to write the beautiful Qur’anic Kufic script, the earliest style of the Arabic Alphabet for writing the Qur’an. Kufic is characterized by its angular form and broad, vertical, horizontal strokes.
In this short introductory workshop, we will explore classical tools used by calligraphers for centuries and learn to write individual letters and a short sentence in the script of Kufic.
Open to all skill levels, ages 13 and up.
What you will learn:
Fundamentals of Arabic Kufic Script
Introduction to tools and methods for artistically writing the letters
Practice writing letters and a sentence in the Kufic script
You have the option to purchase materials from us during checkout. If you purchase your own materials, please see the list below.
Materials you will need:
Bamboo/Reed pen (3mm)
Black ink (non-waterproof)
Inkjar with silk/bamboo yarn
White Glossy paper
Alternatively, you can use: 3-5 mm oblique marker/parallel pen and marker pad or vellum paper
WEBSITE SUGGESTIONS FOR SUPPLIES
John Neal Books (parallel pen and vellum paper)
Instructor Bio
Elinor Aishah Holland is a New York-based calligrapher, specializing in both Arabic and Latin script calligraphy. She studied with American master Mohamed Zakariya. After years of study and many trips to Istanbul, Holland received the Icazet, or calligraphic certification (for Thuluth and Naskh styles) in Arabic script in 2013. As a freelance lettering artist in Latin and Arabic scripts, her work includes exhibiting, teaching, and doing commercial and commission work.
Clients include Zaytuna College, the Smithsonian Institute, the NY Public Library, the Clinton Global Initiative, the NY Society of Scribes, Long Island University, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the US Department of State, among others.