Mazhik
Dogray · Sahar Afshar · 2025
A bold, single-weight Arabic display typeface by Sahar Afshar, rooted in handwritten signage and Egyptian movie poster lettering, with nine contextual alternates per connecting letter to simulate fluid, single-stroke marker writing.
About
Mazhik (Persian for 'marker') fuses contrasting calligraphic speeds and styles to produce an unusually dynamic rhythm across Arabic word compositions. Nine alternate forms for each connecting letter ensure that letter connections feel organic and that dot placement remains clear within each word, rather than constrained by the rigid geometry typical of digital Arabic fonts. Winner of TDC 72, D&AD and Red Dot awards, the typeface covers 18 Arabic-script languages including Persian, Dari and Talysh.
Classification
A bold, single-weight Arabic display typeface drawing from vernacular handwritten signage and Egyptian movie poster lettering. Its marker-pen inspiration, mixed calligraphic styles and extensive contextual alternates place it firmly in the display category rather than a traditional calligraphic or text classification.