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History
23 posts
Historical topics that are related to Arabic.
Dotless Arabic: Bypassing Social Media Censorship
Facing social media censorship, many Arabic activists now write without dots. This article provides tools like dotless.app to convert text, alongside a history of dotless Arabic script to help you understand this unique workaround.
The History of the Minaret: From Prayer Call to Islamic Icon
The minaret is a key symbol of Islam, but early mosques likely lacked them. This article traces the history of the Islamic prayer call (Adhan) and the development of minarets, discussing their origins and meaning in Islamic architecture.
The 9th-Century Arab Scholar Who First Solved the Knight’s Tour
The Knight's Tour, a famous chess puzzle, was first solved by al-Adly al-Rumi (العدلي الرومي) in 9th-century Baghdad. This article delves into his solution, the puzzle's connection to graph theory, and other pioneering Arab chess players.
The 5 Greatest Western Scholars of Arabic Grammar
This subjective list features the top five Arabic grammarians from Europe. It highlights pioneers like Edward Lane (Lane's Lexicon) and Hans Wehr, discussing their contributions to Arabic language study and the historical interest in Arabic in the West.
The 5 Greatest Arabic Grammarians of the Classical Era
This subjective list ranks the top five Arabic grammarians from the classical Islamic era. It covers giants like Sibawayhi (al-Kitab) and Ibn Mansur (Lisan al-Arab), detailing their pivotal roles in shaping Arabic grammar and lexicography.
Arabic Calligraphy 101: Basics, Tools, History & Styles
Arabic calligraphy is a unique Islamic art form with a rich history. This article covers the basics, from traditional tools like the reed pen and special ink to the evolution of styles like Kufi and Diwany, contrasting it with Japanese shodō.
From Noah’s Son to a Language Family: The Surprising Origin of the Word ‘Semitic’
This article clarifies the term "Semitic" and its relation to Arabic. It explores the history and development of Semitic languages, including Akkadian, Hebrew, and Amharic, providing a brief overview.
A Guide to the Arabic Broken Plural: Understanding its History and Function
The broken plural is a fascinating, unique feature of Arabic and South Semitic languages. This article covers its historical roots, formation patterns, and its grammatical role as a "collective noun."
Kitāb al-‘Ayn: How the world’s first Arabic dictionary was created
Al-Khalīl ibn ’Ahmad al-Farāhīdī was the 8th-century grammarian who created Kitāb al-‘Ayn, the first Arabic dictionary. It was uniquely arranged by the phonetic place of articulation in the throat.
How to Access 10,000+ Free Arabic E-books Legally
Searching for free and legal Arabic e-books? The Arabic Collections Online (ACO) is a massive digital library with over 10,000 public domain volumes. Find classic Arabic literature, philosophy, and more.
