My Mulsaq Project Entry “Ma7rousa ya 3arousa”
October 3, 2008
Ma7rousa ya 3arousa entry in the Mulsaq Project.
Cargo trucks in Lebanon and the Middle East are usually painted with Arabic calligraphy using vernacular Arabic words. The Arabic word “mahrousa” is literarily painted on every cargo truck in Lebanon mostly on the back of the trunk or above the back wheels. Alongside this word, there is always an eye figure drawn next to it or a baby shoes hanging from beneath it. The word and figures are meant to bring good luck to the truck and prevent it from the envy and jealous eyes. The words “mahrousa ya ‘arousa” is typeset using “Alef Caps” type, which is one of my fonts originally designed for Alef Magazine, chosen for the “mcharabiya” arabesque star-shaped pixel pattern, emphasizing the Middle Eatsern flavor of the design. The baby shoe can be stuck hanging from the mirror or directly from the arabesque letters.
Entry Filed under: Arabic Calligraphy, Lebanese Type, Lebanon, Pascal Zoghbi, Type, Type Pics, experimental type. .
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1.
Youhanna hojeily | October 4, 2008 at 8:28 am
I would like to ad that such expressions/writings on the vehicles reflects the identity of the driver as well as his “feelings” to his truck. They do spend time in their vehicles more than they do in their home since, as you know, rides in cargo trucks takes time to reach their destination, and they kind of compete between themselves (cargo owners) to show their creativity in choosing words from songs and idioms from their surroundings.
2.
Pascal Zoghbi | October 4, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Indeed.
actually this vinyl design can also be placed on vehicles.
passenger cars or trucks.
3.
Afreen | October 26, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Salaam Aalaikum,
My name is Afreen & i am from India. Since i was a child i was interested in learning Arabic Calligraphy. Couldnt take out time as got buzy with studies. Now sincei have completed Engineering i have free time in hand.so doing things that i havent done in years. :)
Since i couldnt find a teacher to teach me Arabic calligraphy i started learning English Calligraphy. So that i get use to the stokes and can learn Arabic Calligraphy too.
I came across your blog and its really very good.
I didnt know that there r colleges that offer courses in Arabic Calligraphy & topography.
Does your university have Distance learning program for international students? Or do i have to join your university as a Full time student?
Please let me know.
Regards,
Afreen.
4.
Pascal Zoghbi | October 27, 2008 at 12:17 am
Hello Afreen
unfortunately no. there is no international distance learning program at the universities in Lebanon.
what you can do at the moment is buy books about arabic calligraphy and typography, you can find a good list of books on my website.
you can also try to find an arabic calligrapher that can teach you.
i think it is difficult in India, but if you are planing to come to the Middle east like Dubai, Beirut, Cairo, Damascus…. you can take some short classes with calligraphers.
and you can keep an eye on workshops.
5.
Afreen | October 28, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Hello Pascal,
Its sad that there is no international distance learning program , but what about regular program for international students?
Yeah i guess i’ll have to buy books to learn …got a list from your Blog Archives the otherday…..
Will buy them, if i find them in India.
Also i guess if i follow your blog i can learn a lotta things too :)
Whats your email id ? I guess you got mine. Maybe i can send you some of my works,so that u can keep a track on my progress. Only if its possible for you.
Thanks a ton :)
Regards,
Afreen.
6.
Michael Tim | February 28, 2009 at 6:47 pm
I love your site!
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7.
mamoshkah | June 5, 2009 at 4:34 pm
Hello Pascal wonderful work can i make an interview with you? It would be in Swedish don’t worry questions would be in English!
mail me back if interested!
mamoshka@journalist.com
8.
mamoshkah | June 6, 2009 at 5:12 pm
haha, Pascal is used for both sexes in Lebanoon like Pascal Mash3alaneh! sorry! you know i only saw your logo design in the apartment and car they call it here in Sweden väggord it is very popular here in apartments, i never seen it though in any Arabic font.
I googled Lebanese designer on google image and i found ma7roussa ya 3aroussa, i loved it.
I wrote it on my blog in Swedish. I want an interview with you on my blog.