Sharjah24: Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of the Cultural Affairs Department at the Sharjah Department of Culture and Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, revealed the details of the 11th edition of the forum, which will kick off this Wednesday. The event, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, will run until the end of November across several locations, including Calligraphy Square in Sharjah’s historic district, the Sharjah Art Museum, the House of Wisdom, and the University of Sharjah.
Al Qaseer highlighted that this year’s edition will showcase over 600 artworks by 260 artists from around the globe, and will feature 94 events, including exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and seminars. These events are being organized by the Department of Culture in collaboration with more than 30 institutions across Sharjah.
This announcement was made at a press conference attended by Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais, Chairman of the Sharjah Department of Culture, participating artists, and international media representatives.
In his opening remarks, Al Qaseer welcomed the audience, expressing his pleasure to be gathering again for the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammed Al Qasimi. Over the past two decades, the forum has played a pivotal role in elevating the global presence of Arabic calligraphy and revitalizing this traditional art, following the vision of His Highness since the forum's launch in 2004.
He added that this year’s edition, which bears the theme "Taraqeems," offers a platform for more than 300 artists, researchers, and renowned calligraphers from around the world to explore the wide-ranging and diverse interpretations of the theme.
Discussing the theme, Al Qaseer noted that each edition’s slogan encourages creativity, allowing artists to explore various interpretations that enhance the beauty of Arabic calligraphy. This year’s theme, in particular, offers broad artistic possibilities, and over the years, the forum has fostered a rich visual culture that showcases the creativity of participating calligraphers.
He further emphasised the forum’s success in bringing Arabic calligraphy to a global audience, attracting a discerning viewership that engages deeply with the symbolic and emotional aspects of the art.
Al Qaseer also shared details about the upcoming edition, stating that this year’s program will include 94 events such as exhibitions, workshops, lectures, and seminars, hosted by more than 30 institutions across Sharjah, including the House of Wisdom, Calligraphy Square, Al Qasimia University, the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah, the Emirates Photography Association, the Arab Photographers Union, and the Sharjah Art Museum.
He mentioned that there will be 30 diverse exhibitions featuring works by 261 artists from various Arab countries, including the UAE, Oman, Morocco, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait, Sudan, Iraq, Lebanon, and Syria. Additionally, non-Arab countries such as Italy, Colombia, Turkey, Argentina, Pakistan, Spain, and Iran will also be represented, with Mexico, Indonesia, and Singapore participating for the first time, marking the forum’s growing international reach.
The Director of the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum continued: "These talented artists are expected to present 611 artworks, including calligraphic pieces, murals, and traditional calligraphy and Islamic decoration. These works will be displayed at various venues such as the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum, the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation, the Calligraphers' Houses, the Dar Al Nadwa, the House of Ceramics, the Sharjah Centre for Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation, and other locations. Additionally, 57 art workshops will be organised, along with visual presentations of diverse calligraphic experiences."
The forum will feature four lectures focusing on the latest developments in Arabic calligraphy. The accompanying international symposium, titled "Arabic Calligraphy – Methods and Schools," will be held at the House of Wisdom. The symposium will cover the following topics: "The Ottoman School of Arabic Calligraphy" presented by Dr. Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, "The Heritage of the Arabic School in Calligraphy" by Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Hassan from Egypt, and "The Experience of Sharjah in Arabic Calligraphy" by Taj Al-Sir Hassan from Sudan. Al Qaseer also noted that the forum will host 86 guests, including media representatives, speakers, calligraphers, and workshop supervisors.
He highlighted the key exhibitions participating in the forum, stating: "One of the main events will be the 'Reviving Scripts' exhibition, where five artists will showcase 67 diverse works featuring rare scripts such as Hijazi, Quranic Kufic, Mashreqi Kufic, Tawqi, Ruq‘ah, Muhaqqaq, Rayhani, Mamluk Thuluth, and old Ta‘liq. This exhibition brings back scripts that are no longer in widespread use. Additionally, Turkish artist Dawood Baktash and Iranian artist Sadegh Shafei will present their solo exhibitions. Baktash’s exhibition, titled 'Golden Letters,' will be held at the House of Ceramics, featuring 20 pieces, while Shafei's exhibition, 'Taraqeems on the Pen,' will be held at the Calligraphers' Houses, presenting eight works."
Al Qaseer also pointed out the "In Love with the UAE" exhibition, where a group of Emirati calligraphers will showcase 16 artworks that reflect the theme of patriotism. Several other exhibitions will also take place, including contemporary exhibitions that focus on modern interpretations of Arabic calligraphy at the Sharjah Art Museum, with 65 works by 13 artists.
He highlighted the participation of local institutions, such as the Arab Photographers Union, which will host an exhibition titled "Between Letters and Light" at the House of Wisdom, featuring 40 artists. The Emirates Photography Society will also organize an exhibition titled "Light Lines" at the 06 Mall, featuring 27 artists. Additionally, the Emirates Fine Arts Society will showcase an exhibition by Egyptian artist Hossam Abdel Wahab, displaying 25 works.
Al Qaseer noted that the Sharjah Calligraphy Forum has a tradition of honoring prominent figures in Arabic calligraphy who have made significant creative contributions on the local, Arab, and international stages. In this edition, three individuals will be honored: calligrapher Khaled Ali Al Jallaf from the UAE, Dr. Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, and Dr. José Miguel Puerta from Spain.
He also mentioned that the forum will present awards to outstanding works in the general exhibition, including the Grand Prize, three awards for traditional calligraphy, three awards for modern and contemporary calligraphic arts, and a special jury award for Emirati calligraphers.
For an optimal experience, please
