Sultan bin Ahmed Launches 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, Celebrating Art

Photo : Sharjah Govt Media Bureau

Under the patronage of Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the 11th edition of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum was inaugurated by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, on Wednesday evening. The forum, organized by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, will run until November 30, featuring the theme "Numerals."

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Upon arrival, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed toured the main exhibition, where he received a comprehensive overview of the diverse array of artworks on display. The exhibition showcases paintings of Quranic verses and poetry, highlighting various calligraphy styles crafted by artists from the UAE and other Arab and Islamic countries.

This year’s exhibition features an impressive collection of works by 153 calligraphers from around the globe, with 300 pieces displayed. The artworks explore letters as visual elements, shaped by creativity and imagination. Various calligraphic fonts are represented, including Thuluth, Naskh, Ta'liq, Diwani, Kufi, Sunbuli, and others.

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also visited the "In Love with the UAE" exhibition, organized by the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation. During his visit, he learned about the creations of calligraphers, which express themes of patriotism through poetic texts and famous phrases that celebrate love for the homeland.

As a gesture of gratitude, the Society presented a notable artwork to His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, acknowledging his unwavering support for the arts, particularly Arabic calligraphy. This piece features a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, elegantly inscribed in bold Diwani script shaped like an eye, symbolizing generosity and kindness. The artwork encourages young people to cherish their country and appreciate their blessings, created by Fatima Salmeen, a student from the Arabic calligraphy courses in the Eastern Region.

During the tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi paused at the exhibition honoring this edition's featured artists: Emirati calligrapher Khalid Al Jallaf, Iraqi Idham Mohammed Hanash, and Spanish artist Jose Miguel. He engaged with the artists, exploring their remarkable works that cover various topics in Arabic calligraphy, including Quranic verses and poetry.

The Deputy Ruler examined the "Revival of Scripts" exhibition, which features works by calligraphers such as Ahmed Fahim from Egypt, Jassim Meraj from Kuwait, Hussain Kazi Abadi from Iran, Imran Al Balushi from the UAE, and Haitham Salo from Turkey. The exhibition celebrates ancient calligraphic styles, providing a comprehensive introduction to the displayed artworks. 

The artists showcased exceptional pieces that highlight their creativity and innovation, particularly in reimagining artistic forms. The exhibition includes several forgotten calligraphic styles, such as Hijazi, Mushafic Kufi, Eastern Kufi, Tawqi', Ruqa', Muhaqqaq, Rayhani scripts, as well as Mamluk Thuluth and Old Ta'liq, along with their various branches and techniques. Additionally, artistic photography enhances the experience by showcasing the beauty and potential of Arabic calligraphy.

Following the exhibition, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed recognized several artists for their significant contributions to Arabic calligraphy, including Emirati calligrapher Khalid Ali Al Jallaf, Dr. Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, and Dr. Jose Miguel Puerta from Spain.

The Deputy Ruler also honored this year's forum award winners, such as Calligrapher Mohammed Al Farouk from Syria, who received the grand prize for his piece "Have Mercy on Me." The Authentic Trend Awards were awarded 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 Modern and Contemporary Calligraphy Awards were given to Rashid Aghli from Morocco for "Fi," Sanaz Al Barzi from Turkey for "Bird of Life," and Jaafar Ali Sarwi from Iran for "He is the Mighty and Wise." Imran Ali Al Balushi received the Special Jury Award for Emirati Calligrapher for his work "The Conscience of the Union."

The honoring ceremony commenced 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 activities and its significance in celebrating this timeless art. Since its inception in 2004, the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum has fostered a vibrant visual culture, continuing its mission to celebrate the authentic Islamic artistic legacy of Arabic calligraphy.

Al Qaseer emphasized the forum's importance and its influence on the artistic movement over the years. “For two decades, the forum has served as a vital platform for creativity in calligraphy, showcasing the beauty and energy of Arabic letters through remarkable works presented by calligraphers and experts in this historic art,” he stated.

He reviewed the various activities offered by the forum this year, underscoring Sharjah’s position on the global cultural and artistic map. “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,” he added.

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 specialized art workshops to lectures and seminars, organized 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 Arabic calligraphy enthusiasts.