DOHA: The release of Qatari-print of the Holy Quran (Mus'haf Qatar) and the limelight which came along with it sees a rebirth to Islamic writing styles.
Calligraphy, the art of writing which once held a venerated position in almost all the cultures was dwindling in a fast world were everything happens at the click of a button.
Leading calligraphers at the Aqlam Exhibition stress that calligraphy has found a new demand in the recent times.
"Islamic art as a whole is now becoming a contemporary trend and much promotion is seen through out the world," said Sabah Al Arbili, the runner up at the Mus'haf Qatar competition.
"Lately in the last 10 years, the art has been growing each day with increasing number of students studying. The demand for calligraphy has also increased lately with competitions, exhibitions and increased sales world wide," he told The Peninsula.
Calligraphy is an exacting craft, demanding historical knowledge, a highly developed aesthetic sensibility and an expert hand. The florid nature of the Arabic language is closely reflected in the intricate works of calligraphers blending words and images into a piece of art.
"It is important for both us as the calligraphers and the public to know about the beauty of writing," said said Nuria Garcia Masip, a Spanish calligrapher. "The deep indulgence an artist puts into writing each letter in a calligraphic script pays homage to the Islamic world and heritage. Calligraphy demands a lifelong learning process and a deep indulgence"
This indulgence in calligraphic writing of each letter makes it almost devotional for many writers. Arabic calligraphy, like any other, conveys the emotions, integrity, aesthetic feelings and Arab or Islamic cultural ties of the artist to the audience.
"Calligraphy is a part of Islamic identity and not endorsing the art would mean losing our identity. The people in the region are now coming forward to study Arabic calligraphy, with much promotion given in the region. It is highly important to endorse the art as it is closely linked to the region and our heritage," said Fathima Said, a UAE calligrapher.
Traditionally, much importance was given to the art as it was regared as a way to preserve the beauty of the Quran. This Quranic calligraphy form dates back to the seventh century when calligraphy was written on parchments or papyrus to the latest one the work of Obaida Al Banki for Mus'haf Qatar.
"One of the best parts about Mus'haf Qatar is that the script is the best in today's world- some thing which no other Holy Quran printers have been able to achieve," said Iranqi calligrapher, Zaid Zaid Haidar Al Muhandess.
"Usually, Quran printers just select a calligrapher in random to write, while there must be more talented people. Mus'haf Qatar broke this barrier by selecting the best through an international competition. Every thing about the Qatari-print is exquisite and unique befitting the Holy Book."
© The Peninsula 2010
