This article gives some early history to start, and tells of numerous
famous calligraphers over the centuries. It refers to various styles of
Arabic script, and concludes with explanations and definitions of 15
different varieties. There are some puzzling details scattered throughout
the text, but, on the whole, it looks like a valuable reference. I'm far
from being able to evaluate the document, not being a scholar in the field
at all.

<http://www.ottomansouvenir.com/Calligraphy/Calligraphy.htm.>

Most unfortunately (and frustratingly!) no images showed, in Opera 8.5. I
suspect that the URLs in the page source code might be at fault; they
contain "/../", which might not be standard. Perhaps editing those URLs to
their complete forms might make them visible; I didn't try.

The parent site is interesting, offering information on many facets of
Ottoman culture.

===

Some time ago, I had a good look at Arabic calligraphy on the Web, and was
simply amazed by the great beauty, variety, and quantity of it. As I
understand it, making images of humans and animals is haram (forbidden)
in that culture, so it's not as surprising to see calligraphy given much
more emphasis than it might have, otherwise.

My apologies for being in write-mostly mode; I couldn't resist passing on
this one to Qalam.

Here's wishing all of you a bright, shiny new year!

--
Nicholas Bodley /*|*\ Waltham, Mass. (Not "MA")
Good planets are hard to find.
Please be careful of this one.