From script to structure: Diwani wins international spotlight

August 13, 2025 / 12:06 AM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: The "Diwani - Sharjah" project, designed by Emirati artist Hisham Al Madhloum, has received a new international accolade at the First International Exhibition of the Calligraphers School held in Istanbul. This marks the third international recognition the project has earned within a year of its completion.

Participation in international art symposium

Al Madhloum took part in an international art symposium hosted by Turkey's Gelişim University, where he presented his experience in designing “Diwani”—the world’s first building to integrate Arabic calligraphy with contemporary architecture.

A tribute to Sharjah's visionary leadership

He dedicated this latest honour to His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of His Highness’s unwavering support for Sharjah’s cultural and artistic initiatives and his leadership in preserving Arab and Islamic heritage.

Prestigious exhibition with wide participation

The exhibition, held from August 2 to 13 at the Taksim Mosque Culture and Arts Center, featured participation from numerous cultural dignitaries and representatives of major regional organisations, including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, Al-Badr Award (UAE), and the Islamic Center in Kuwait.

Calligraphers from 13 countries took part, showcasing over 150 artworks and three large calligraphy panels. The event also included a dedicated pavilion for classical calligraphy masters.

Diwani project highlighted as architectural innovation

"Diwani - Sharjah" was featured as a standout model of architectural innovation. It has garnered three major awards: Loop Design Awards for Best Contemporary Architectural Design, Vision Architizer Award for Best Contemporary Building Photography, and Best Architectural Residence of the Year 2024, awarded by the Sharjah Department of Planning and Survey

Recognitions across the Arab World

In addition to international acclaim, the project was recognised by the Cairo International Forum for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Culture, and the International Conference on Integration of Creativity, Technology, and Innovation, hosted by Mansoura University in Egypt.

A new concept: The architecture of letters

Commenting on the project's design philosophy, Al Madhloum said, “The Diwani project embodies the concept of the architecture of letters. It is the first building in the world to be designed in this way, blending Arabic calligraphy with contemporary architecture. The building is made of letters, and the letters themselves become an integral part of the structure.”