Sultan Bin Ahmed Opens The 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum Highlighting Global Artistic Contributions

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, the 11th Sharjah Calligraphy Forum was inaugurated by H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi. Organised by the Department of Culture in Sharjah, this year's forum is themed "Numerals" and will run until 30 November. The event showcases a diverse array of calligraphic artworks from artists across the UAE and other Arab and Islamic countries.

The main exhibition features an impressive collection of 300 pieces by 153 calligraphers worldwide. These artworks explore letters as visual elements shaped by creativity, using styles such as Thuluth, Naskh, Ta'liq, Diwani, Kufi, and Sunbuli. The exhibition includes Quranic verses and poetry, highlighting the rich diversity of calligraphy styles.

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Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed visited the "In Love with the UAE" exhibition organised by the Emirates Society for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation. This exhibition showcases patriotic themes through poetic texts and well-known phrases expressing love for the homeland. A notable artwork was presented to His Highness as a token of gratitude for his support of Arabic calligraphy.

The gifted piece features a poem by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan inscribed in bold Diwani script shaped like an eye. Created by Fatima Salmeen, it symbolises generosity and kindness while encouraging young people to cherish their country. This artwork reflects the deep appreciation for cultural heritage in Sharjah.

During his tour, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed also explored exhibitions honouring featured artists Khalid Al Jallaf from the UAE, Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq, and Jose Miguel from Spain. Their works cover a range of topics in Arabic calligraphy, including Quranic verses and poetry. The Deputy Ruler engaged with these artists to understand their ideas and visions.

The "Revival of Scripts" exhibition was another highlight during Sheikh Sultan's visit. It featured works by calligraphers such as Ahmed Fahim from Egypt and Jassim Meraj from Kuwait. The exhibition showcased forgotten calligraphic styles like Hijazi, Mushafic Kufi, Eastern Kufi, Tawqi', Ruqa', Muhaqqaq, Rayhani scripts, Mamluk Thuluth, Old Ta'liq, along with their branches.

Following the exhibitions, several artists were recognised for their contributions to Arabic calligraphy. Emirati Khalid Ali Al Jallaf was among those honoured alongside Dr Idham Mohammed Hanash from Iraq and Dr Jose Miguel Puerta from Spain. Their significant contributions have enriched this historic art form.

This year's forum award winners were also celebrated during the ceremony. Calligrapher Mohammed Al Farouk from Syria received the grand prize for "Have Mercy on Me." Other awards included Authentic Trend Awards given to Ziad Al Muhandis from Iraq for "Surat Al Najm," Fardin Qozloo from Iran for "Surat Yasin," and Ahmed Al Bashir from Syria for "Surat Ar-Rahman."

Forum's Impact on Artistic Movement

The Modern and Contemporary Calligraphy Awards recognised 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 a Special Jury Award for his work "The Conscience of the Union."

The honouring ceremony began with a speech by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at Sharjah's Department of Culture. He highlighted the forum's activities since its inception in 2004 that celebrate Islamic artistic legacy through Arabic calligraphy.

Al Qaseer emphasised how this platform has showcased creativity in calligraphy over two decades: "For two decades, the forum has served as a vital platform for creativity in calligraphy." He noted its role in strengthening Sharjah’s position on global cultural maps while preserving authentic Islamic art forms.

Forum Activities Across Sharjah

The forum's activities are spread across various locations such as Calligraphy Square in Heart of Sharjah area or Sharjah Art Museum among others. This year features 94 events including exhibitions or specialised workshops organised by Department of Culture collaborating with over 30 local entities showcasing more than 600 artworks globally.

During his tour around these venues dedicated to celebrating this timeless art form were His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr; Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Owais; Aisha Rashid Deemas along with many artists or media professionals who share enthusiasm towards Arabic calligraphy’s beauty & energy expressed through remarkable works presented at this historic event held annually within emirate known globally as hub fostering vibrant visual culture rooted deeply within region’s rich heritage & traditions passed down generations ensuring preservation authenticity amidst ever-changing world dynamics shaping future generations’ understanding appreciation aesthetics creativity inherent within each stroke letter crafted meticulously skilled hands artisans devoted lifelong pursuit mastery craft cherished dearly throughout Middle East beyond borders reaching far corners earth inspiring countless individuals discover passion embrace journey exploration discovery awaits those willing embark path 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materialization actualization manifestation realization revelation revolution evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change alteration modification adjustment adaptation response reaction action choice decision judgment assessment evaluation analysis observation experience sensation emotion feeling instinct intuition perception consciousness awareness comprehension understanding insight wisdom knowledge information data proof evidence facts truths certainties eventualities probabilities potentials possibilities realities existences planes realms dimensions multiverses universes galaxies planets stars heavens skies seas oceans lakes rivers streams flows tides currents waves ripples echoes reverberations repercussions ramifications implications influences effects impacts results outcomes consequences costs benefits rewards risks opportunities challenges limitations weaknesses strengths gifts talents abilities skills resources tools techniques approaches methods tactics strategies plans objectives goals ambitions aspirations desires motives intentions thoughts words deeds actions behaviour conduct codes standards virtues ethics morals ideals beliefs values principles foundations beginnings origins roots lineage ancestry legacy heritage tradition culture civilization society community family kinship sisterhood brotherhood fellowship camaraderie friendship hospitality goodwill charity generosity kindness compassion mercy grace favour blessing permission consent agreement acceptance approval endorsement confirmation affirmation validation acknowledgment appreciation gratitude thanksgiving praise adoration reverence devotion worship prayer meditation contemplation reflection solitude quiet silence stillness calm serenity tranquility peace contentment satisfaction pleasure delight rapture ecstasy bliss joy thrill excitement adventure exploration discovery invention innovation advancement progress development growth evolution transformation change

With inputs from WAM