'I wanted something different'
Basra artist transforms Ford Mustang into ‘moving canvas’ with Arabic calligraphy
BASRA — In the bustling Al-Ashar district of Basra, artist Mohammed Mahmoud has turned a Ford Mustang into a mobile artwork by replacing its usual Latin and English symbols with intricate Arabic calligraphy. This unique transformation marks the first of its kind in Basra, blending classical script with modern design.
Mahmoud explained that his goal is to bring classical Arabic calligraphy into modern life. While Arab countries have long integrated calligraphy into architecture, fashion, and contemporary design, Mahmoud seeks to make Iraq, especially Basra, a hub for this artistic fusion.
His latest project—engraving a friend’s Mustang—aims to show that art can extend beyond traditional mediums like paper, transforming the car into a “moving canvas” capable of reaching speeds up to 300 km/h.
“Arabic calligraphy is one of the oldest and most respected forms of script in the world,” Mahmoud told 964media. “Traditionally, it’s written with measured letters on paper, but I wanted to break from that classic approach and apply it in a way that keeps up with modern trends. My goal is to add beauty to the city by placing calligraphy on cars.”
The car’s owner, Salah Al-Tamimi, a sports car enthusiast, wanted something that would set his vehicle apart. “While many sports car enthusiasts use foreign phrases or tattoos, I wanted something different,” Al-Tamimi said. “My love for Arabic calligraphy led me to share this idea with Mohammed Mahmoud, who was enthusiastic and executed it in an inspiring way.”
Arabic calligraphy, which dates back to the 7th century, is deeply rooted in Islamic culture. One of the earliest styles, Kufic, originated in Kufa, Iraq, and is known for its angular, geometric shapes, often seen in Islamic architecture and manuscripts.
In Iraq, calligraphy holds a revered place as a vital part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The art form is closely linked with Islamic traditions and has evolved through centuries of historical and cultural developments.
Another widely used style, Naskh, emerged in the 10th century. Known for its flowing, legible form, it became a popular script for transcribing the Quran and other literary works.
Baghdad became a center for cultural and intellectual activity during the Abbasid Caliphate, with notable calligraphers such as Ibn Muqla and Ibn Al-Bawwab pioneering influential styles like Thuluth and Naskh. Their work shaped the evolution of Arabic calligraphy, establishing it as both an artistic and scholarly pursuit in the region.
Today, Arabic calligraphy continues to thrive, appearing in architecture, fashion, and commercial design. Styles like Thuluth, with its elegant curves, inspire modern artists and remain a prominent part of Arab cultural identity.
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