This talk traces the history of the Qairawani script—most notably seen in the Nurse Qur’an—from its origins in Kairouan to its contemporary application in design and technology. It examines how this distinct Arabic script, once dedicated to Qur’anic manuscripts, can adapt to modern contexts such as digital design and AI-driven typography. Rather than dwelling in nostalgia, the talk highlights the script’s capacity to evolve while preserving its core identity—inviting reflection on Arabic typographic heritage, innovation, and the broader role of script traditions in a rapidly changing world. Can a script maintain its soul as it shifts contexts? This talk invites designers, typographers, and cultural thinkers to challenge the dichotomies of tradition and innovation.
Calligraphy in Motion: The Qairawani Script in a Digital Age
