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Keep in touch with the world of Arabic calligraphy which is very active and lively through our news page which is live and dynamic. Experience an excellent reporting of world exhibitions, in-depth interview with artists, and major cultural activities that offer the sacred tradition of calligraphy. It is a chance to discover how ancient methods can be developed into the modern mastership, as well as explore the tools, styles, and history of each individual work. You are welcome to our page where you are going to learn about all the ancient beauty of Arabic calligraphy and the constant changes it is undergoing.
Inclusive Second Student Arabic Calligraphy Competition Begins in Doha in 2025
- November 9, 2025
- Student Competition
The second Student Arabic Calligraphy Competition began in Doha, organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, along with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs and the Museum of Islamic Art. It includes students from preparatory and secondary schools, as well as those with disabilities, aiming to promote cultural values and mastery of the Reqaa script. A total of 479 students are participating and receiving training to improve their skills.
Major Highlights:
- Competition Objective: To enhance community awareness and mastery of Arabic calligraphy among youth.
- Inclusivity: First-time participation of students with disabilities alongside boys and girls from various schools.
- Organizing Bodies: Collaboration between Ministry of Education, Ministry of Endowments, and Museum of Islamic Art.
- Training Provided: Participants equipped with textbooks and calligraphy pens for practical skill development.
- Cultural Emphasis: Highlights the historical importance and artistic richness of Arabic calligraphy in Islamic heritage.
Source: Qatar News Agency
Chinese Calligrapher Showcases ‘Manifestations of Arabic Calligraphy’ in Bahrain Exhibition
- November 9, 2025
- Art Exhibition
The Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, hosted an exhibition titled «Manifestations of Arabic Calligraphy» by Haji Nooruddin Meiguangjiang. The event showcased over 45 artworks that merge classical Arabic calligraphy with modern art, highlighting a cultural bridge between Eastern and Arab traditions.
Major Highlights:
- Artistic Fusion: Combines traditional Arabic calligraphy with Chinese calligraphic art to create unique visual expressions.
- Cultural Diplomacy: Promotes artistic and cultural exchanges between Arab and Asian worlds through calligraphy.
- Inspirational Sources: Draws on Quranic verses, highlighting the spiritual depth and rhythm of the Arabic script.
- Recognition: Artist acknowledged globally for fostering intercultural dialogue and named among influential Muslim figures.
- Event Context: Exhibition was part of the World Islamic Art Day celebrations and hosted by Bahrain’s cultural authority.
Source: Daily Tribune Bahrain
Rare Replica Unveiled of 1,000-Year-Old Quranic Calligraphy Manuscript: A Historical Masterpiece
- November 9, 2025
- Heritage Preservation
A rare replica of a 1,000-year-old Quran calligraphy manuscript has been unveiled, showcasing the exquisite artistry and meticulous craftsmanship of ancient Islamic calligraphers. The replica aims to preserve and celebrate the cultural and spiritual heritage embedded in historic Quranic manuscripts.
Major Highlights:
- Historical Significance: Faithfully reproduces a Quran manuscript approximately 1,000 years old, showcasing medieval Islamic calligraphy craftsmanship.
- Artistic Excellence: Demonstrates the intricate techniques and detailed artistry used by ancient scribes to create sacred texts.
- Cultural Preservation: Highlights efforts to preserve and celebrate Islamic cultural heritage through art replication.
- Educational Value: Serves as a tool for learning about Quranic manuscript traditions and Islamic calligraphy history.
- Spiritual Importance: Provides a tangible connection to the religious and artistic values of the Islamic Golden Age
Source: Daily Sun
Jeddah’s House of Islamic Arts Wing Highlights Arabic Calligraphy Masterpieces
- November 4, 2025
- Exhibition
The House of Islamic Arts museums in Jeddah showcase classical Islamic art through rare and exceptional collections, including masterful examples of Arabic calligraphy. The exhibits highlight the rich heritage and artistic depth of Islamic civilization, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of calligraphic art across centuries.
Major Highlights:
- Rare Collections: The museum houses important Islamic artifacts and classical calligraphy pieces rarely exhibited publicly.
- Cultural Significance: Emphasizes the central role of Arabic calligraphy within the broader spectrum of Islamic art and heritage.
- Educational Value: Provides enriching insight into the evolution, techniques, and cultural contexts of Islamic calligraphy.
- Visitor Experience: Presents an immersive cultural journey through centuries of Islamic artistic expression in Jeddah’s dedicated wing.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Cairo International Forum for Arabic Calligraphy Creativity Launches in December
- November 1, 2025
- Forum / Exhibition
The Cairo International Calligraphy Forum 2025 will open on December 18 at the Cairo Opera House with the theme “Peace Through Letters.” This 11-day event brings together prominent calligraphers and artists from the Arab world and abroad to promote artistic creativity in Arabic calligraphy, revive heritage arts, and foster cultural identity.
Major Highlights:
- Comprehensive Program: Includes a calligraphy competition, exhibition of participants’ works, international symposium, and skill workshops.
- Message of Peace: The theme emphasizes the role of Arabic letters in spreading peace to humanity.
- Cultural Reinforcement: Highlights Egyptian and Arab heritage through traditional and modern calligraphic arts and techniques.
- Recognition and Awards: Monetary and honorary awards in various calligraphy categories, including the Khodair Al Borsaidi Award.
- Application Timeline: Participant applications open until November 20, with results announced November 24 and artwork submission from December 1-10.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar
Morality Award" for Arabic Calligraphy in Qatar Celebrates Spiritual Beauty of Letters
- October 29, 2025
- Art Award
Qatar has launched the “Morality Award” dedicated to Arabic calligraphy, honoring the spiritual and aesthetic dimensions of Arabic letters. The award shines a light on the artistic and ethical values embedded in Arabic calligraphy, celebrating its role in preserving culture and inspiring beauty. This prestigious award aims to promote the deep connection between artistic creativity and noble human values. It also seeks to encourage calligraphers to create works that reflect both ethical principles and visual elegance. The award is part of a broader cultural program featuring symposia and exhibitions that highlight Arabic calligraphy’s significant role in Islamic heritage and contemporary art.
Major Highlights:
- Award Purpose: To recognize artists whose calligraphy encapsulates deep moral and spiritual ideals through elegant script.
- Cultural Significance: The award emphasizes the sacred connection between Arabic lettering and Islamic cultural heritage.
- Promotion of Artistry: Encourages the continuation and innovation within the tradition of Arabic calligraphy as a living art form.
- Community Impact: Draws attention to calligraphy’s role in fostering spiritual reflection and cultural identity in Qatar and beyond.
Source: Islam Online (Arabic source)
Al-Azhar Opens Enrollment for Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation Course 2025/2026
- October 29, 2025
- Education, Training
Al-Azhar Mosque announced the opening of registration for a new batch of students to enroll in the Arabic calligraphy and ornamentation program at Al-Azhar and its branches across several governorates for the academic year 2025/2026. The program caters to residents of selected governorates and involves in-person classes once a week.
Major Highlights:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 15 years old at the time of application.
- Calligraphy Styles Offered: Students may choose to study one style from Ruqa’a, Naskh, Thuluth, Diwani, Persian, or Kufic scripts, as well as Islamic ornamentation.
- Targeted Governorates: Classes are available in Assiut, Qena, Gharbia, Alexandria, and Aswan, with specific styles offered per location.
- Duration and Attendance: The program runs for nine months with a mandatory 70% attendance rate and culminates with a certificate upon successful completion of exams and projects.
- Selection Process: Admissions depend on results from placement tests held after the application period closes.
- Registration Process: Applicants must follow official WhatsApp channels for updates, submit fees, and retain registration screenshots.
Source: Al Azhar Website Gate (Arabic source)
Al-Azhar Mosque Opens Doors for Arabic Calligraphy Teachers to Work in Its Corridors
- October 29, 2025
- Education, Teaching
Al-Azhar Mosque has announced a call for Arabic calligraphy teachers to work in its corridors and branches across governorates. This initiative follows the directives of Grand Imam Professor Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, aiming to preserve and promote the art of Arabic calligraphy within the Islamic educational environment.
Major Highlights:
- Importance of Calligraphy: Arabic calligraphy is fundamental for preserving the Quran and Islamic traditions, as emphasized by Dr. Abdel Moneim Fouad.
- Skills Development: Teaching calligraphy promotes valuable skills such as organization, precision, and ethical values among students of Islamic sciences.
- Teaching Scope: Candidates will teach various Arabic calligraphy styles, including Thuluth, Naskh, Ruq’ah, Diwani, Persian and Kufic.
- Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must be affiliated with Al-Azhar, hold relevant diplomas or equivalent qualifications, and demonstrate mastery in calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation.
- Selection Process: Includes submission of original handwritten samples, passing practical and theoretical exams, and a professional interview before a specialized committee.
Source: Masrawy News (Arabic source)
Iraqi Calligrapher Completes Monumental World's Largest Handwritten Quran Manuscript
- October 30, 2025
- Exhibition
Ali Zaman, an Iraqi artist and former goldsmith, devoted six years to creating what is believed to be the world’s largest handwritten Quran. Using traditional techniques and the thuluth script, he meticulously crafted each page by hand in Istanbul, producing a monumental religious manuscript that exemplifies dedication and artistry.
Major Highlights:
- Monumental Scale: The Quran features pages measuring 4 meters by 1.5 meters, exceeding the size of any previous known manuscript.
- Traditional Craftsmanship: Zaman used hand-cut reed pens and avoided modern tools, writing in the classical thuluth script.
- Solo Endeavor: The project was self-financed and completed in a small room inside the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque complex in Istanbul.
- Artistic Recognition: Zaman has received multiple international awards and holds an ijazah certification from masters in Arabic calligraphy.
- Perseverance: Despite serious health challenges and pandemic-related difficulties, Zaman remained committed to finishing the Quran.
- Cultural Impact: This achievement highlights the continued vitality of Islamic calligraphy as both art and spiritual expression.
Source: ABNA English
Iranian Calligrapher Passionately Promotes Peace Through Quranic Calligraphy Art
- October 26, 2025
- Exhibition
At a recent Iran-Korea calligraphy exhibition held at the South Korean Ambassador’s residence in Tehran, Iranian calligrapher Taghavi showcased Quranic verses and religious teachings centered on the theme of “Family.” The event emphasized calligraphy as a powerful civilizational art that bridges different cultures and religions, fostering peace and friendship.
Major Highlights:
- Cultural Diplomacy: The exhibition marked 63 years of diplomatic relations between Iran and Korea, promoting cultural exchange through calligraphy.
- Theme of Family: Taghavi’s artwork depicted Quranic and religious texts on family, symbolizing a shared civilizational heritage across cultures.
- Art as Dialogue: Calligraphy is presented as a universal language fostering understanding beyond religious differences.
- Joint Effort: Featured Iranian and Korean artists collaborated in an event hosted by the Korean Embassy and the Asia Cultural Coordination Centre.
- Vision for Peace: Taghavi stressed cultural diplomacy as the foundation for broader political harmony and unity among nations.
Source: IQNA News Article
«Planet of the Alphabet»... Arabic Calligraphy Panels Echo the Melodies of the Music Festival
- October 24, 2025
- Exhibition
The Planet of the Alphabet exhibition by artist Yusra Al-Mamlouk is currently shown at Salah Taher Hall for Fine Arts in the Egyptian Opera House. It accompanies the 33rd Arab Music Festival with 50 artworks celebrating Arabic calligraphy through classical styles like Thuluth, Kufic, Diwani, and Persian scripts. The exhibit blends traditional calligraphy with contemporary art inspired by Quranic verses, Hadith, poetry, and proverbs.
Major Highlights:
- Artistic Diversity: The exhibition features a rich variety of Arabic calligraphy styles that merge classical and modern aesthetics.
- Cultural Identity: Arabic calligraphy is emphasized as a crucial symbol of identity, maintaining a deep cultural and spiritual bond with Islamic heritage.
- Synergy with Music: The event coincides with the Arab Music Festival, fostering an artistic dialogue between musical and calligraphic traditions.
- Innovative Techniques: The artworks use diverse calligraphy scripts combined with modern artistic forms, underscoring both heritage preservation and contemporary expression.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Article (Arabic source)
Qatar's Al-Raqeem Competition Expands its Educational Calligraphy Workshops for Students
- October 20, 2025
- Educational Initiative
The organizing committee of the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition “Al-Raqeem” is successfully expanding its series of educational workshops across schools in Doha. With strong participation from dozens of students, these sessions aim to strengthen the youth’s connection to Arabic calligraphy as a core element of national and Islamic identity. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
Major Highlights:
- Collaborative Organization: A joint effort between Qatar’s Ministry of Awqaf (via the Sheikh Abdulla Bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Center) and the Ministry of Education.
- School Venues: Workshops were actively held at Abi Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah Preparatory School and Omar bin Al-Khattab Secondary School.
- Curriculum Focus: Sessions covered the history of calligraphy, its associated arts, and its deep link to heritage and identity.
- Positive Reception: Both students and school administrations praised the workshops for enhancing Arabic language skills and reinforcing cultural and moral values.
Source: The Peninsula Qatar Article
Omani Women Artists Showcase Their Arabic Calligraphy Work in a New Exhibition
- October 20, 2025
- Exhibition
A group of Omani women calligraphers is being featured for their skilled work in a dedicated exhibition. The event highlights their contribution to the art of Arabic script and demonstrates the evolving role of women in preserving and advancing this traditional craft. Their work often blends classical techniques with contemporary themes, creating a dynamic dialogue between heritage and modern expression. This showcase serves as an important platform for elevating the visibility of female artists from the region. It also underscores the global appeal of Arabic calligraphy and its capacity.
Major Highlights:
- Featured Artists: A collective of female calligraphers from Oman, emphasizing their growing role in the art form.
- International Venue: The exhibition is being held in Oman, increasing its visibility and impact.
- Artistic Diversity: The showcase includes various traditional and modern interpretations of Arabic calligraphy.
- Cultural Diplomacy: The event positions Omani culture and the artistry of its women within an international dialogue.
Arabic Calligraphy Art Adorns Traditional Horse Equipment in a Unique Saudi Cultural Exhibition
- October 20, 2025
- Exhibition
A specialized exhibition in Saudi Arabia is showcasing the traditional art of “Muhakakeh,” where intricate Arabic calligraphy is meticulously tooled onto leather horse equipment. This display highlights the deep connection between Arabic script and equestrian culture, featuring pieces like saddles, bridles, and whips transformed into canvases for religious texts, poetry, and names.
Major Highlights:
- Featured Art Form: “Muhakakeh,” the specialized craft of engraving and adorning leather with Arabic calligraphy.
- Exhibition Pieces: Includes traditionally crafted items such as horse saddles, bridles, whips, and ceremonial shields.
- Cultural Significance: Demonstrates how calligraphy was integrated into the daily and ceremonial lives of Arabian horsemen, blending spiritual and practical elements.
- Artistic Detail: The pieces feature a variety of calligraphic styles, transforming functional equipment into works of art with inscriptions of Quranic verses, poems, and noble names.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Article (Arabic source)
Palestinian Artist Crafts Quranic Verses Using Straws from Local Wheat Harvests
- October 19, 2025
- Artist Innovation
A Palestinian artist has developed a unique artistic method by using dried wheat straws to form intricate Arabic calligraphy, primarily of Quranic verses. This innovative technique involves carefully splitting, shaping, and assembling the natural straws to create textured, three-dimensional script. Her work beautifully connects the sacred text to the land, using a material that is deeply symbolic of Palestinian agriculture and resilience.
Major Highlights:
- Innovative Medium: Uses locally sourced wheat straws as the primary material for creating calligraphic art.
- Technical Process: Involves a meticulous method of splitting, dyeing, and assembling the straws to form precise letters.
- Cultural Symbolism: The use of wheat, a staple crop, roots the spiritual text in the local landscape and heritage.
- Artistic Impact: Creates a unique, tactile form of calligraphy that stands out for its organic texture and natural aesthetic.
Source: IQNA News Article
Arabic Calligraphy Illuminates Turathna Handicrafts Exhibition with Cultural Brilliance
- October 16, 2025
- Exhibition
The 7th edition of the Turathna exhibition, the largest fair for handmade and traditional crafts in Egypt and the Arab world, was held at the Egypt International Exhibitions Center in New Cairo from October 4 to 11, 2025, under the patronage of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. The exhibition’s theme was “Our Heritage… Our Ancestors’ Story in Our Hands,” offering a platform for artisans to market their products.
Major Highlights:
- Artistic Excellence: The exhibition highlighted the brilliance of Arabic calligraphy, showcasing a curated collection blending tradition and innovation
- Cultural Significance: It emphasized the value of handmade crafts as part of the cultural identity and aesthetic memory of the nation.
- Interactive Engagement: The pavilion allowed visitors to have their names artistically written in handmade calligraphy styles, enabling direct interaction with the spirit of the art form.
- Wide Appeal: The pavilion attracted a broad international audience from Arab, European, and Asian countries, who admired the precision and expressive beauty of the calligraphy.
Source: Al Ahram Gate News
Jordan Launches National Strategy to Preserve and Modernize Arabic Calligraphy
- October 14, 2025
- Cultural Initiative
Jordan’s Ministry of Culture has unveiled a comprehensive national strategy dedicated to revitalizing the art of Arabic calligraphy. The initiative focuses on preserving the traditional art form while simultaneously integrating it into modern and digital contexts. This strategy is a direct response to UNESCO’s inscription of Arabic calligraphy on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list, aiming to safeguard it for future generations.
Major Highlights:
- Strategic Pillars: The plan is built on four main pillars: preservation and documentation, education and training, promotion and marketing, and modernization and digital integration.
- Educational Focus: A key component involves introducing calligraphy into school curricula and establishing accredited training centers.
- Modernization Drive: Aims to encourage the use of calligraphy in digital media, graphic design, and contemporary artistic expressions.
- Global Alignment: The strategy formally implements Jordan’s commitments as a signatory to the UNESCO nomination that recognized Arabic calligraphy’s global cultural value.
Source: Ammon News Article
Jordan Inaugurates "Arabic Calligraphy Center" in Amman to Preserve Artistic Heritage
- October 13, 2025
- Cultural Center
The Jordanian Ministry of Culture has officially inaugurated the “Arabic Calligraphy Center” in the capital, Amman, as a new hub dedicated to preserving, teaching, and promoting the art of Arabic calligraphy. The center aims to nurture a new generation of calligraphers and elevate public appreciation for this foundational element of Arab and Islamic cultural heritage through a structured program of training and exhibitions.
Major Highlights:
- Official Launch: The center was inaugurated under the patronage of the Jordanian Minister of Culture.
- Primary Mission: To protect the art of Arabic calligraphy from neglect and ensure its continuity by training students in its various classical scripts.
- Activities & Offerings: Will host training workshops, specialized courses, and artistic exhibitions led by master calligraphers.
- Strategic Goal: Aims to become a key regional institution for reviving and sustaining the practice of traditional calligraphy.
Source: Jordanian News Agency (Petra) Article (Arabic source) – summarized in English by us.
Tunisian Master Nja Mahdaoui Opens Cultural Season at Abu Dhabi's Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
- October 13, 2025
- Exhibition
The Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi has launched its new cultural season with a major solo exhibition dedicated to the pioneering Tunisian calligrapher Nja Mahdaoui. The showcase celebrates Mahdaoui’s five-decade career, highlighting his unique approach that deconstructs and reimagines Arabic script into abstract, rhythmic compositions. This event solidifies the foundation’s role as a key platform for significant modern and contemporary Arab artists.
Major Highlights:
- Featured Artist: Nja Mahdaoui, internationally recognized for his “calligraphic abstractions.”
- Artistic Innovation: Showcases his signature style that treats letters as visual forms, often creating works that balance between legibility and pure design.
- Exhibition Scope: A comprehensive collection highlighting the evolution of his work over 50 years.
- Cultural Significance: The choice of Mahdaoui as the season opener underscores the ongoing dialogue between traditional Arabic calligraphy and modern artistic expression.
- Venue Focus: Reinforces the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation’s mission to enrich Abu Dhabi’s growing art scene.
Source: Gulf Today Article
DCT Abu Dhabi Unveils "Golden Ink Manuscripts" Exhibition Highlighting Arabic Calligraphy Heritage
- October 8, 2025
- Archaeological Discoveries
The Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) Abu Dhabi has launched an exquisite exhibition titled “Golden Ink Manuscripts,” showcasing rare calligraphy masterpieces that underline the rich tradition of Arabic manuscript art. The collection highlights the intricate beauty and historical depth of Arabic calligraphy, drawing visitors into a journey through time and script.
Major Highlights:
- Exhibition Showcase: Features a curated selection of manuscripts made with gold ink, illustrating the artistic sophistication of Arabic calligraphy.
- Cultural Significance: Celebrates the legacy and preservation of Arabic manuscripts as vital cultural heritage.
- Public Engagement: Designed to attract scholars, enthusiasts, and the general public to deepen appreciation of Arabic script artistry.
- Collaborative Effort: The exhibition is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader initiative to promote Arabic arts and culture globally.
- Educational Aspect: Includes guided tours and interactive sessions to educate visitors on historical calligraphy techniques and manuscript production.
Source: Emirates News Agency
International 'World of the Quran' Exhibition Concludes Landmark Tour in Kazan
- October 8, 2025
- Exhibition
The international ‘World of the Quran’ exhibition, a major cultural initiative by Iran, has successfully concluded its final stop in Kazan, Russia, after a extensive two-and-a-half-year tour. The exhibition showcased a rich collection of rare Qurans and Islamic calligraphy, serving as a bridge for intercultural dialogue and highlighting the artistic depth of Islamic heritage for a global audience.
Major Highlights:
- Exhibition Scope: Featured a diverse collection of rare Quranic manuscripts and masterpieces of Islamic calligraphy from various historical periods.
- Tour Duration: The final event in Kazan concluded a 2.5-year international journey that included stops in multiple countries.
- Organizing Body: The exhibition was organized by Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, underscoring cultural diplomacy.
- Primary Goal: Aims to present the aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of the Quran to diverse international communities.
- Cultural Impact: The exhibition in Kazan, a historically important city for Russian Muslims, effectively promoted understanding of Islamic art and culture.
Source: IQNA News Article
"Dar Al Qalam" Program Aims to Redefine and Revive Arabic Calligraphy in the Middle East
- October 6, 2025
- Educational Program
The “Dar Al Qalam” (House of the Pen) initiative has been launched with the ambitious goal of re-establishing the core identity and aesthetic principles of Arabic calligraphy across the Middle East. This cultural program seeks to move beyond calligraphy as mere decorative art and return to its deep-rooted traditions, focusing on precision, spiritual meaning, and structured composition. It represents a significant institutional effort to safeguard the art form’s future by reconnecting it with its historical foundations.
Major Highlights:
- Core Mission: To redefine the standards of Arabic calligraphy by emphasizing its traditional rules (qawa’id) and spiritual dimensions, countering a trend towards purely decorative use.
- Educational Focus: The program is designed to systematically teach the authentic principles of calligraphy to a new generation of artists.
- Cultural Preservation: Aims to combat the dilution of the art form and ensure its transmission according to classical methodologies.
- Regional Impact: Positioned as a pivotal movement to strengthen the cultural landscape of Arabic calligraphy throughout the Arab world.
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Article (Arabic source) – summarized in English by us
Wissam Shawkat’s Lecture at Yale Explores Historical and Modern Arabic Calligraphy Innovations
- October 3, 2025
- Academic Talk
At Yale’s Arabic program, award-winning Iraqi-born calligrapher Wissam Shawkat traced the evolution of Arabic calligraphy from early Kufic to Maghrebi styles and introduced his contemporary Calligraforms style, which abstracts Arabic letters into modern visual art. The event engaged students at all levels, fostering an appreciation for the cultural richness and innovation in Arabic calligraphy.
Major Highlights:
Historical Scope: Shawkat detailed how geography and culture shaped diverse Arabic calligraphy styles.
Personal Journey: Shared his emergence as a globally recognized artist inspired by early encouragement and self-study.
Modern Innovation: Presented Calligraforms, his unique abstraction of Arabic letters into independent visual elements.
Cultural Engagement: Event aligned with Yale’s mission to promote cultural immersion and global connection.
Broad Participation: Attended by students of varying Arabic proficiency, enhancing their cultural understanding.
Recognition: Shawkat’s artworks have featured in international exhibitions and logos for brands like Apple and Rolex.
Source: Yale NELC News Article
Riyadh International Book Fair Launches Second Arabic Calligraphy Competition
- October 3, 2025
- Competition
The Riyadh International Book Fair has inaugurated its second annual Arabic calligraphy competition, attracting widespread participation from calligraphy enthusiasts across the region. This event highlights the growing institutional support for preserving and promoting traditional Arabic script arts while encouraging contemporary artistic expression. The competition serves as a platform for both established and emerging calligraphers to showcase their skills.
Major Highlights:
- Venue: Riyadh International Book Fair, a major cultural gathering in Saudi Arabia
- Competition Focus: Emphasizes both traditional techniques and modern interpretations of Arabic script
- Participation Scope: Open to artists from various backgrounds and skill levels across Arab countries
- Cultural Significance: Part of Saudi Arabia’s broader initiative to preserve intangible cultural heritage
- Educational Impact: Raises public awareness about calligraphy’s importance in Islamic art and culture
Source: Asharq Al-Awsat Article
Kerala Artist Blends Calligraphy with Social Messages: Bridging Tradition and Modernity
- September 14, 2025
- Artist Spotlight
A Kerala-based calligraphy artist is gaining recognition for integrating powerful social messages into traditional Arabic calligraphy works. The artist’s innovative approach combines spiritual texts with contemporary themes of environmental conservation and social justice, creating pieces that resonate with modern audiences while preserving classical techniques.
Major Highlights:
- Artist’s Approach: Merges Quranic verses with messages about climate change and community harmony
- Medium Innovation: Uses eco-friendly materials and natural pigments in artwork creation
- Exhibition Impact: Recent showcase attracted interfaith audiences and sparked dialogue about calligraphy’s modern relevance
- Educational Component: Conducts workshops teaching youth how calligraphy can address current social issues
Source: The New Indian Express Article
