IntroDuction

Urdu is written in an alphabet derived from the Arabic and Persian Alphabets.

Urdu is written from right to left like Arabic, Persian, and Hebrew.

The script style most commonly used for Urdu is called “Nastaliq.” In this style, each word tends to cascade down from the upper right to the lower left.

Nastaliq نستعلیق replace with image

Urdu is also occasionally written in a different style, called “Naskh.” The letters on this style sit on a horizontal line.

Naskh replace with image

Darvazah uses the Nastaliq style to the extent that it is supported by internet browsers. You may need to download and install a Nastaliq Urdu font in order to to be able to view the Urdu text in the Darvazah site correctly. See the “Before You Begin” (hyperlink) section of the website for more information.

Like Arabic and Persian, Urdu can be written in elaborate calligraphy. Calligraphic Urdu is very difficult for beginners to read.

Calligraphic Urdu