Mokhtar El Baba was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1938.  He began learning the principles of Arabic calligraphy under the instruction of  his father -- calligrapher Kamel El Baba -- and started producing artwork in the early 1970s.

The style of Mokhtar El Baba can be described as being mainly classic, although he has experimented in recent years with other less-traditional styles.  His latest work -- which he calls the "Hurufiyyat" -- attempts to create an abstract form of Arabic calligraphy.  In this style, he brings out the beauty of Arabic letters which he blends into colorful and symmetric arrangements.

In addition to being an artist, Mokhtar El Baba is a sworn calligraphy expert at the Lebanese court of justice.  He is also actively involved in many specialized educational programs aimed at improving Arabic hand writing skills for school teachers.  He has published  a number of Arabic hand writing practice booklets aimed at promoting correct Arabic writing among both youngsters and adults.   Currently, he teaches Arabic and Latin calligraphy at the Makassed Islamic Association School, and calligraphy and Arabesque at the Abdul Hadi Debs Technical School.

Mokhtar El Baba has contributed to many expositions in Lebanon and the Arab world.   His latest exposition was held in April, 1999 at the Aisha Bakkar Islamic Center in Beirut, Lebanon.  He maintains a workshop in Beirut at the following location: