Qatar Foundation exhibits beauty of Arabic calligraphy

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development is this month hosting a captivating calligraphy exhibition titled ‘The Arabic Script’ to promote a greater understanding of the cultural, religious, and artistic significance of this fascinating art form.

The exhibition, organised by Qatar Foundation Community Services, is open to the public from 9am to 6pm at the AaQool Atrium in the Qatar Foundation Recreation Centre within Education City until 30 September.

The artistic collection has been thoughtfully assembled by private collector Engineer Ibrahim Fakhroo, who has made a remarkable effort to gather these timeless pieces during his travels around the world. The display includes authentic calligraphy artworks dating as far back as the 9th Century, and showcases the finest pieces from famous calligraphers Hamdulla Al-Amasi and Hafiz Osman, in addition to the exceptional work of Qatari calligrapher Ali Hassan Al Jaber.

The opening of the exhibition, which aims to shed light on the beauty and evolution of Islamic calligraphy over the centuries, was attended by a number of senior representatives from Qatar Foundation, including Engineer Jassim Telefat, Group Executive Director of Qatar Foundation Capital Projects and Facilities Management, and Mohammed Al Naimi, Recreation Services Manager at Qatar Foundation Support Services.

Commenting on the meaningful connection between Islamic art and the community, Mr Al Naimi said: “Qatar Foundation is keen to support events and initiatives that help promote the cultural and educational aspects of community development. The exhibition seeks to immerse the QF community in Arab culture by illustrating how this artwork represents Qatar and other Islamic countries.

“‘The Arabic Script will increase awareness about how valuable and beautiful the art of Islamic calligraphy is, and how essential it is to the community.” 

He added: “Education is a lifelong process and should not be confined to a classroom. We are confident that people from different communities will learn a great deal about the history and evolution of Arabic calligraphy by attending this exhibition. 

“We believe they are more likely to retain this information by viewing the rare Arabic script first-hand, so I encourage all members of the community, especially students, to make the most of this invaluable opportunity.” 

As one of the most intricate and noteworthy forms of visual art, Arabic calligraphy is considered to be an essential component of Arab Islamic civilisation. The exhibition is being staged in three main categories: the start of Arabic calligraphy, the evolution stage, and the modern stage. 

Engineer Ibrahim Fakhroo, Collector of ‘The Arabic Script’, explained: “The event’s main aim is to encourage the preservation and appreciation of Islamic art, while nurturing an understanding of its cultural and historical significance.

“Islamic art is the most attractive art that substantiates our culture, history and tradition. The Arabic character has evolved over the years and is now used as an art tool. One can find the Arabic letter used here as artwork expressed through various mediums ranging from manuscripts and ceramic to textiles and wood. This results in each calligraphic art piece having its own unique identity.”

Ameera Mohammed Al Aji, Community Services Supervisor at Qatar Foundation Community Services, explained that one of the exhibition’s primary objectives was to introduce everyone to the concept of collecting art, and to reveal the significance of preserving Arabic and Islamic heritage.

“When we first thought about organising the exhibition, we were eager to introduce the community to the efforts of art collectors and to showcase the dedication of individuals who have a passion for preserving history. Qatar Foundation’s commitment to the development of the community, both inside and outside of the organisation, drives us to implement a variety of cultural activities and initiatives,” she added. 

To achieve this mission and shed light on the beauty of the Arabic script, Qatar Foundation Community Services would be pleased to organise field trips for school and university students to attend the exhibition. Anyone interested, can email communityservices@qf.org.qa.