The tattoo scene has been taking a lot of inspiration from Arabic calligraphy and symbols, creating some truly unique and beautiful designs in the process. Especially for those who read or speak Arabic, getting a tattoo in the language or about the culture can be very dear to your heart and be just the form of expression you’re looking for! We’ve put together a list of 5 arabic tattoos designs or that are inspired by Middle Eastern cultures and translated them for you!

1. Khamsa

The Khamsa symbols, meaning five in Arabic, is present in many cultures throughout the Middle East and holds slightly differing meanings depending on where you’re from. It’s most commonly used as a symbol of protection from ill-wishes – the design can take many forms but the basic shape of a hand with 5 fingers is the core of it.

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Little #hamsa tattooed by @craigy_lee #littletattoo #tattoo #tattooartist #tattooart

A post shared by Little Tattoos (@little.tattoos) on Jan 28, 2015 at 10:31am PST

2. Evil Eye

The Evil eye is another one of those symbols that’s present throughout the Arab world, similar to the Khamsa, it is considered to provide protection from jealousy and envy, in jewellery the colour blue is often present in the depiction, but tattoos have taken creative liberty, sometimes omitting the colour.

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Little evil eye Friday jammer . . . . #evileye #evileyetattoo #fridayflash #ankletattoo

A post shared by Harley (@harlsmo) on Jan 5, 2018 at 12:10pm PST

3. Freedom

The word Freedom, shown in these tattoos, can mean whatever the wearer wants it to mean. While of course it can mean general freedom, tattoos can hold a greater meaning which is personal to the owner and single words like this can easily be attributed a more individual meaning. 

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“Al haya hura” life is free, freedom in life, whatever it may mean to you irrelevant of what it means to me. I got this tattoo in Colorado. It was realized by a designer. Basically, I was at a point in my life that at the time was a milestone. An awakening of some sort. I shed social expectations. The focus was no longer on the outer layers. I became in-tuned with a deeper realization. External noise became insignificant and I was free of external factors that I thought used to matter. I. Attained. Freedom. الحياة حرة . . . #arabink #arab_ink #arabic #calligraphy #ink #inked #inkedgirls #tat #tattoo #tattoos #tat

A post shared by Arab Ink (@arab_ink) on Jan 9, 2018 at 11:25am PST

4. Quote: What’s coming is better that what’s gone

“What’s coming is better than what’s gone”.  We love the deep meaning behind this arabic tattoo! Changing up the design is easy with calligraphy – for example it can be drawn on 2 lines or be completely visually changed with a different font. If you live somewhere where Arabic isn’t spoken it can also be a little mystery for others!

5. Quote: Soul, My Soul, or Free Soul

Soul, My Soul, or Free Soul – can really stand for anything you want it to! ‘My soul’ in Arabic is used as a term of endearment, so you can get it done for someone you love. Free soul/ Free spirit can be used by those with a bit of a rebellious strand, living life their own way

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#روح #customdesign #arabictattoo #arabicfont #tattoogirl #egyptiantattoo #tattooshopzamalek #tattooshopegypt #ramydawood #artegypt #tattooart #tattoo

A post shared by @ tattooart_ramydawood on Feb 8, 2018 at 2:08am PST

Really though, any tattoo can mean anything you want it to, they are deeply personal forms of art and if you’re thinking of getting one make sure it’s a design/phrase/piece that you’re happy with and won’t get tired of because, well, it’ll be there to stay!