Tattoos are becoming an increasingly less taboo subject in our community, we’re well on our to accepting that they are a form of artistic expression allowing us to take control of and tell our own story how we wish on our body. They can hold deep meanings, be magnificent works of art, represent a certain step in one’s life, depict a cool idea or simply look good! In the region, we’ve appropriated this form of art and totally made it our own by incorporating Arabic calligraphy and symbols that pay tribute to our individual backgrounds and attachments to our home countries. The trend is becoming a perfect example of how we’re a generation living our lives freely, how we wish, capable of making our own decision and following our own path.

#YOUNGWILDANDFREE

Whether you’re looking to get your own tattoo or want to learn more about how tattoo styles have developed locally, take a look at these awesome Arabic calligraphy tattoo pieces which are sure to inspire you.

photo cred: Arab Ink 

Combining a symbol with a word or phrase can help you paint the picture you want from your tattoo. Here, the symbol for the key of life and the word Freedom are used as one piece.

photo cred: Pinterest

The cool thing with Arabic writing is that you can take a phrase and use it to draw whatever design you want, calligraphy is so malleable, and you can pretty much create any shape your heart desires! It’s important to find the right tattoo artist who’ll be able to help you with the design though, not anyone can do this.

photo cred: Pinterest

There are so many different styles to calligraphy and so much room to play around not only with the overall design shape but also the font. It can be thinner, fatter, a mix of both, combine long and short letter shapes, extend to fit your design etc etc. You’ll never run out of possibilities.

photo cred: Pinterest

Okay, we know this one’s not a tattoo (yet 😉) but the idea is dope and we just had to put it on this list. Besides, since tattoos are such a personal thing, you might not want to copy exactly a design you find online – it’s a commitment that’s worth personalizing.

photo cred: Arabic Calligrapher 

😍 😍

photo cred: Tattoo Design 4 u 

Arabic calligraphy also doesn’t have to be in a particular order.  Make sure you’re working with a calligrapher who knows what he’s doing. This way, the first word of the phrase could be at the bottom, the last word in the middle, or even the third word across those and it will still work! Since calligraphy itself is an art form, finding an experienced calligrapher will be worth it to get that perfect tattoo. 

photo cred: Hicham Chajal

So beautiful and elegant!

photo cred: Tattoos Hunt

Simply saying “friendship”, this one is a super cute and simple idea if you’re thinking of getting a matching tattoo with your best friend!

photo cred: Get tattoo ideas

Sometimes a single word in calligraphy can be a work of art by itself 😍 We love these clean bold lines!

photo cred: Pinterest

While this one might not be strictly speaking an Arabic calligraphy tattoo, ancient Egyptian symbols are an endless source of inspiration. You can create everything from simple minimalist designs to huge complex pieces.

Which Arabic calligraphy tattoo was your favourite?