By Mahmoud Mandou
From Homs to Berlin
I was born in Homs, Syria, and studied mechanical engineering before leaving my country in 2012, a difficult decision driven by security concerns. I haven’t been back since. My journey took me to Jordan, where I lived for five years and discovered the desire inside me to connect, and express what words sometimes cannot. Jordan was where I found a creative spark that has stayed with me ever since.
In 2019, I moved to Berlin, a city with a rich, multicultural arts scene that has been the perfect place to continue exploring and sharing my work. Here, I’ve been able to push my creative limits and dive deeper into Square Kufi calligraphy, using it to convey themes of connection, love, and friendship in ways I hadn’t imagined before.
Exploring New Dimensions in Square Kufi Calligraphy
My journey as an artist started in Jordan, where I first experienced how powerful art can be in expressing ideas and building connections. Early on, I worked with a friend to create a large mural for a community project in Amman called Tarabot (“cohesion”). This mural was a turning point for me. It was my first realisation of art as a visual language that anyone can connect to—especially in public spaces where people from all backgrounds can interact with it. I was drawn to the freedom, repetition, and intricate beauty of Mandala and Zentangle designs. They inspired me to find new ways to bring these qualities into my own future work.
A New Chapter in Germany: The Art of Square Kufi
When I moved to Germany, I felt the pull to explore Square Kufi calligraphy, a distinct form of Arabic calligraphy with its geometric precision and unique square shapes. Square Kufi is traditionally linked to Islamic art and is often used to display Qur’anic verses and other religious motifs. But as I got deeper into it, I felt a strong urge to expand its role, exploring how it might also convey themes of love, friendship, and universal connection.
In my first designs, I wanted to capture personal and contemporary ideas within the structured forms of Square Kufi, blending tradition with something that felt relevant to me. Rather than limiting myself to religious or cultural symbols, I started using phrases that reflect emotions and human connections that everyone can relate to.
From Doubt to Embracing My Audience
At the start, I was sceptical about whether anyone would be interested in my work. I couldn’t imagine my designs appealing to a wider audience. But then a friend encouraged me to try selling my work—an idea that honestly felt intimidating. I decided to give it a shot and started sharing my designs, printing them on canvases, paper, and even sweatshirts. To my surprise, the response was amazing, especially in Berlin! People were drawn not only to the look of Square Kufi calligraphy but also to the messages it carried, and I loved seeing how people from different backgrounds found something relatable in it.
Selling my work has shown me that there’s a space for art that bridges the gap between traditional and modern ideas, and I’ve learned that people are open to exploring artistic expressions that break out of traditional boxes.
The Message Behind My Art
With my Square Kufi designs, my hope is to show that this art form can be more than just a religious or cultural symbol. While Square Kufi is often associated with Islamic themes, my goal is to use it as a medium for universal messages of love, friendship, and connection. I draw on poetry and meaningful phrases, and I reimagine them within the disciplined, grid-based structure of Square Kufi. This process allows me to create something familiar yet refreshingly new.
Through my work, I hope to expand the possibilities of Square Kufi and encourage people from all backgrounds to connect with it. For me, it’s not just about the beauty of the letters but the stories and emotions they carry—messages that I hope make people pause, reflect, and feel a sense of shared humanity.
Art as a Bridge in Berlin
Berlin, with its diverse and vibrant culture, has been the ideal place to share my art. People here are open to new ideas and curious about different cultures and creative approaches. As an artist in this city, I feel grateful for the chance to connect with a community that values both tradition and innovation. I’m excited to see how Square Kufi will continue to evolve and resonate in this dynamic, multicultural environment.
If you want to see more of Mahmoud’s art, check out his Instagram!