Sultan bin Ahmed inaugurates 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum

Sharjah [UAE], October 3: Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated, Wednesday evening, the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum. Organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, the forum runs under the theme "Numerals" and will run until November 30.
Upon his arrival, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the main exhibition, receiving a detailed overview of the diverse artworks on display. The exhibition features paintings of Quranic verses and poetry, showcasing various calligraphy styles created by artists from the UAE and other Arab and Islamic countries.
This year's edition of the exhibition features a diverse collection of works by 153 calligraphers from around the world. With 300 pieces on display, the artworks showcase a rich variety of styles and themes, exploring letters as visual elements shaped by creativity and imagination. The fonts represented include Thuluth, Naskh, Ta'liq, Diwani, Kufi, Sunbuli, and more.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah visited the "In Love with the UAE" exhibition, organised by the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation. During his visit, he learned about the diverse creations of calligraphers, which showcase themes of patriotism, featuring poetic texts and well-known phrases that express love for the homeland.
The Society presented a notable artwork as a token of gratitude to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, acknowledging his unwavering support for the arts, particularly Arabic calligraphy. The gifted piece features a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, elegantly inscribed in bold Diwani script shaped like an eye, symbolising generosity and kindness. The message encourages young people to cherish their country and appreciate their blessings. This work was created by Fatima Salmeen, a student from the Arabic calligraphy courses in the Eastern Region.
During his tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi paused at the exhibition honouring this edition's featured artists: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Al Jallaf, Iraqi Idham Mohammed Hanash, and Spanish artist Jose Miguel. He explored the artists' remarkable works, which showcased a range of topics in Arabic calligraphy, including Quranic verses and poetry.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed engaged with the artists, exploring their diverse ideas and visions that reflect their growth as seasoned practitioners in Arabic calligraphy. They shared insights on incorporating well-known architectural styles and symbols of Islamic architecture into their work. Additionally, the Sharjah Deputy Ruler examined various publications by the artists focused on Arabic calligraphy.
The Deputy Ruler of Sharjah toured the "Revival of Scripts" exhibition, featuring works by calligraphers Ahmed Fahim from Egypt, Jassim Meraj from Kuwait, Hussain Kazi Abadi from Iran, Imran Al Balushi from the UAE, and Haitham Salo from Turkey.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the exhibition dedicated to reviving ancient calligraphic styles, receiving a comprehensive introduction to the displayed artworks. The artists showcased exceptional calligraphic pieces that highlight their creativity and innovation, particularly in the use and reimagining of artistic forms.
The exhibition showcases several forgotten calligraphic styles, including Hijazi, Mushafic Kufi, Eastern Kufi, Tawqi', Ruqa', Muhaqqaq, and Rayhani scripts, as well as Mamluk Thuluth and Old Ta'liq, along with their various branches and techniques. It also features artistic photography that highlights the beauty and artistic potential of Arabic calligraphy, enhancing this unique experience.
Following the exhibition, the Deputy Ruler of Sharjah recognised several artists for their significant contributions to Arabic calligraphy: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al Jallaf, Dr Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, and Dr Jose Miguel Puerta fron Spain.
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also honoured this year's forum award winners, including Calligrapher Mohammed Al Farouk from Syria, who received the grand prize for his work "Have Mercy on Me." The Authentic Trend Awards went to Calligrapher Ziad Al Muhandis from Iraq for "Surat Al Najm," Calligrapher Fardin Qozloo from Iran for "Surat Yasin," and Calligrapher Ahmed Al Bashir from Syria for "Surat Ar-Rahman."
The winners of the Modern and Contemporary Calligraphy Awards are: Rashid Aghli from Morocco for his piece "Fi," Sanaz Al Barzi from Turkey for "Bird of Life," and Jaafar Ali Sarwi from Iran for "He is the Mighty and Wise." Sheikh Sultan also honored Imran Ali Al Balushi, who received the Special Jury Award for Emirati Calligrapher for his work "The Conscience of the Union."
The honouring ceremony opened with a speech by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum. He highlighted the forum's rich array of activities, underscoring the significance of this timeless art. Since its inception in 2004, the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum has fostered a vibrant visual culture, and this year's session continues its mission to celebrate the authentic Islamic artistic legacy of Arabic calligraphy.
Al Qaseer emphasised the forum's significance and its influence on the artistic movement since its inception. He stated, "For two decades, the forum has served as a vital platform for creativity in calligraphy, showcasing the beauty and energy of Arabic letters through the remarkable works presented by calligraphers and experts in this historic art."
In his speech, the Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum reviewed the various activities offered by the forum in this e, pointing to Sharjah's position on the global cultural and artistic map.
He stated, "The Sharjah Calligraphy Forum strengthens its international standing as a hub for calligraphic creativity, dedicating all efforts to preserving this authentic Islamic art. This leadership reflects Sharjah's commitment to aesthetics and creativity, showcasing the emirate's rich cultural accomplishments."
The forum's activities are spread across various locations, including the Calligraphy Square in the Heart of Sharjah area, Sharjah Art Museum, House of Wisdom, University of Sharjah, Al Qasimia University, and more. This year's forum features 94 events, ranging from exhibitions and specialised art workshops to lectures and seminars, organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah in collaboration with over 30 local entities and institutions. It showcases more than 600 artworks from 260 artists worldwide, including 30 exhibitions highlighting artists from diverse countries.
During the tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed was accompanied by His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Department of Culture; Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Authority; along with a large group of artists, calligraphers, media professionals, and enthusiasts of Arabic calligraphy.
Source: Emirates News Agency