ومن بين هؤلاء الفنانين، تبرز نمارق محمد علي، المتخصصة في فنون الكتاب والتذهيب الإسلامي، والتي كرّست سنوات من حياتها لدراسة هذا الفن العريق بين السودان وتركيا، حتى أصبحت واحدة من أبرز الأسماء العربية في هذا المجال

في هذه المقابلة، تحدثنا مع نمارق عن رحلتها مع الفن، علاقتها بالمخطوطات الإسلامية، ولماذا ترى أن الصبر هو أهم ما يحتاجه الفنان الحقيقي

كيف بدأت رحلتك مع الفن؟

أعتقد أن علاقتي بالفن بدأت قبل أن أفهم معنى “الفن” نفسه.

منذ طفولتي، كنت أنجذب دائماً للتفاصيل الصغيرة… الزخارف على الأبواب القديمة، النقوش الإسلامية، والخطوط الموجودة في العمارة التقليدية. كنت أتوقف طويلاً أمام هذه الأشياء، وأشعر أن فيها روحاً مختلفة.

لاحقاً، أثناء دراستي للفنون الجميلة وتخصصي في الخط العربي، بدأت أقترب أكثر من عالم المخطوطات والزخرفة الإسلامية، وهناك شعرت أنني وجدت المجال الذي يشبهني فعلاً.

لماذا اخترتِ فن التذهيب وفنون الكتاب بالتحديد؟

لأن هذا الفن يجمع بين أشياء أحبها كثيراً…
الدقة، التأمل، والصبر.

فن التذهيب ليس مجرد زخارف جميلة تحيط بالنصوص أو المخطوطات، بل عالم كامل قائم على التوازن والتناغم. كل عنصر فيه له مكانه، وكل لون أو خط يحمل وظيفة ومعنى داخل العمل.

أشعر أن هذا الفن يعلّم الفنان كيف يهدأ… كيف يركّز… وكيف يرى التفاصيل الصغيرة التي قد يمر بها الآخرون دون ملاحظة.

كيف أثرت تجربتك في تركيا على رؤيتك الفنية؟

كانت تجربة غيّرت حياتي بالكامل.

في إسطنبول، درست الفنون التقليدية بشكل أكاديمي ومتعمق، وتعلمت على يد أساتذة متخصصين ضمن تقليد فني يمتد عبر مئات السنين.

هناك فهمت أن هذه الفنون ليست مجرد مهارات تقنية، بل ثقافة وفلسفة وطريقة تفكير.

كنت أقضي ساعات طويلة في دراسة مخطوطة واحدة أو تحليل زخرفة صغيرة، ومع الوقت بدأت أفهم العلاقة العميقة بين الفن والصبر، وبين الجمال والنظام.

ما أكثر شيء يجذبك في الفنون الإسلامية؟

فكرة التوازن.

الفنون الإسلامية تحمل نوعاً خاصاً من الانسجام والهدوء. حتى مع كثرة التفاصيل، يبقى هناك إحساس بالنظام والسكينة.

أعتقد أن هذا ما يجعلها قريبة من الروح…
فهي لا تعتمد على الفوضى أو المبالغة، بل على التكرار المتوازن، والصبر، والدقة.

كيف تصفين علاقتك بالمخطوطات القديمة؟

أشعر دائماً أن المخطوطات تحمل ذاكرة.

عندما أدرس مخطوطة أو زخرفة تاريخية، لا أشعر أنني أتعامل مع “عمل قديم” فقط، بل مع أثر إنساني وصل إلينا عبر الزمن.

كل خط أو زخرفة يخبرك شيئاً عن الفنان الذي صنعه… عن صبره، وطريقته في رؤية العالم.

ما الذي تحاولين نقله لطلابك في سوكو ؟

أحاول أن أجعلهم يفهمون أن الفن ليس سباقاً.

اليوم كل شيء سريع، والناس تبحث عن نتائج فورية، لكن الفنون التقليدية مختلفة… هي تحتاج وقتاً وصبراً واستمرارية.

في SOCO، لا أركز فقط على تعليم التقنية، بل على تعليم الملاحظة والتركيز وفهم العمل الفني من الداخل.

أريد للطلاب أن يشعروا بعلاقة حقيقية مع الفن، وليس فقط أن ينسخوا شكلاً جميلاً.

ما أصعب شيء في تعلم هذا النوع من الفنون؟

الصبر… بدون شك.

في البداية، قد يشعر الفنان أن التقدم بطيء، لكن مع الوقت يبدأ بفهم أن هذه الرحلة نفسها جزء من الفن.

الفنون التقليدية تعلّمك كيف تتقبل البطء، وكيف تستمتع بالتفاصيل الصغيرة.

ماذا يعني لك الفن اليوم؟

أشعر أن الفن أصبح بالنسبة لي طريقة لفهم العالم.

هو مساحة للتأمل، للهدوء، وللتواصل مع التراث والجمال.

وفي كل مرة أعمل فيها على لوحة أو زخرفة جديدة، أشعر أنني ما زلت أتعلم شيئاً جديداً… وهذا أجمل ما في الرحلة.

كلمة أخيرة لطلاب الفن؟

لا تستعجلوا.

الفن الحقيقي يحتاج وقتاً…
لكن كل لحظة تقضونها في التعلم ستبقى معكم.

راقبوا التفاصيل، اصبروا على أنفسكم، واستمتعوا بالرحلة قبل الوصول إلى النتيجة ✨

The post حين تتحول الزخرفة إلى لغة من التأمل appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

From Street Graffiti to the Meticulous Reed Pen

Before the delicate gold leaf and the meticulously cut reed pens (qalam), there were the bold, sweeping lines of spray paint. Growing up in Türkiye, Elif’s obsession with letterforms began long before any formal training. She was the kind of child who could lose whole afternoons chasing the perfect harmony between ink and paper. In middle school, this fascination found an outlet in the rebellious world of graffiti, a raw, modern encounter with the architecture of letters.

But everything shifted in high school when she walked into a classical Arabic calligraphy class.

“The moment I picked up the reed pen, something clicked,” she recalls with a sense of wonder. “I could practise for hours without ever getting tired. It didn’t feel like discipline; it felt like home.”

She quickly realized that in the traditional arts, a beautifully written word is rarely left unadorned. Calligraphy and tezhip (the classical art of illumination) are twin sisters. She threw herself into studying both, a dual mastery that still heavily influences her razor sharp eye for design today.

Writing with the Ghosts of Masters

Specializing in the elegant curves of Thuluth, Naskh, and Jali Thuluth, Elif is drawn to the sheer timelessness of these scripts. To watch her write is to watch time fold in on itself. For her, sitting at the easel is never a solitary act. It is an active, breathing engagement with an intellectual ecosystem that has survived and evolved over centuries.

“That evolution tells you something profound,” she explains. “You are never writing alone. You are writing alongside every calligrapher who has ever held the same pen.”

The Epiphany at Topkapı Palace

Every artist has a moment that fundamentally alters their trajectory. For Elif, that moment happened in the quiet, historic halls of Topkapı Palace in Istanbul.

Standing inches away from masterful, centuries old manuscripts, she was struck by the extraordinary intimacy of the pages. The flawless bindings, the geometric precision of the line arrangements, and the seamless dance between ink and illumination spoke to her. While many calligraphers today gravitate toward massive wall panels, Elif felt a powerful, undeniable pull toward the meticulous, fine line world of the traditional book arts.

To anchor herself in this discipline, she sought the mentorship of Ustadh Ahmed Fares Rezq. Under his guidance, the vast, intimidating depths of the craft opened up to her, giving her practice a newfound clarity and an uncompromising standard of excellence.

Where Algorithms Meet Ancient Ink

Perhaps the most fascinating layer of Elif’s story is what she brings to her easel: the highly trained, problem solving mind of a computer engineer. How does a brain wired for algorithms adapt to an art form older than the printing press? Flawlessly, it turns out.

In styles like Jali Thuluth, composing a single piece isn’t just drawing; it is solving a brilliant, intricate spatial puzzle. Her technical foundation gives her an incredible advantage in balancing these complex visual weights.

Furthermore, her training as an illuminator gives her a surgeon’s hand when it comes to tashih, the painstaking process of correcting the natural, microscopic deviations of the pen to achieve razor sharp, flawless letterforms. Because she speaks the visual language of traditional patterns fluently, her final pieces are cohesive masterpieces of design.

Passing the Key at SOCO

Today, Elif’s dedication has earned her formal recognition from the Ministry of Culture of Türkiye as a bearer of intangible cultural heritage. It is an honor that leaves her deeply humbled, yet fiercely motivated to keep the lineage alive.

In her workshops at SOCO, she doesn’t just teach the mechanics of writing; she hands her students a key. She challenges them to see traditional writing not as a mere hobby, but as a living symbol of human civilization. The evolution of our scripts mirrors the evolution of us. And by picking up the pen, her students aren’t just making art, they are actively participating in the beautiful, ongoing story of cultural continuation.

The post Artist Spotlight:Elif Hale Gokcen appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Artist of the Week: Mostafa Sedky Mostafa holds a degree in Engineering, but he did not stop at the rigidity of numbers. Instead, he found in them a living language, choosing to dive into the world of Islamic geometric ornamentation as a field that connects art, knowledge, and design. What initially drew him was the structural logic and mathematical harmony behind these geometric patterns.

Mostafa does not view historic monuments as mere silent walls; he sees them as his primary source of inspiration. For him, every monument is like a “living book written seven or eight centuries ago“. He believes that careful observation of these ruins reveals layers of thought, craftsmanship, and intention behind every line and proportion. For him, these architectural spaces generate questions, and questions, in turn, generate ideas that can inspire research and creative exploration for years.

As a culmination of years of research and practice, Mostafa authored his specialized book: “Islamic Geometric Ornament: Principles and Foundations“. The aim was not just an artistic record, but a rigorous yet accessible introduction for non-specialists to this complex field. The book is an invitation to explore the rules that give this art its universal language, extending his vision of making heritage accessible and understandable to everyone.

Mostafa understands that Islamic art evolved naturally for centuries, but a cultural disruption created a gap between contemporary practices and our artistic heritage. Therefore, in his work and designs, he does not aim to simply replicate historical motifs. Instead, he seeks to reinterpret their underlying principles to feel both authentic and relevant today, building a strong bridge between the authenticity of the past and the needs of the present.

In Mostafa’s workshops at SOCO, you don’t just learn how to draw a geometric pattern; you discover the deeper values and cultural philosophy behind this art. He invites you to connect with a sophisticated intellectual tradition and a remarkable artistic civilization. His ultimate goal is to foster a sense of appreciation, pride, and a rooted connection to this heritage.

For those wishing to enter and delve deeper into this world, Mostafa’s most important advice begins with “clarifying your intention“. Islamic geometric art is a vast field, and its true depth reveals itself only to those with patience and discipline. If you truly want to understand this heritage, do not look for quick results; enjoy the journey, stay curious, and allow yourself the time needed to truly understand the “language of these patterns“.

Join Mostafa Sedky’s Course at SOCO (Available Online):

Special Discount for Sadati Card Holders

We are pleased to announce this initiative as part of our community support to encourage everyone to discover art:

20% Discount for Sadati Card holders (Fujairah Government and CPO employees).

To avail the discount:

• Send a photo of your card via WhatsApp or Email.
• Or present it upon attendance.

That was our newsletter for this week ✨

See you next week with a new artist from SOCO.

Thank you for following us 💛

The post Teacher Spotlight: Mostafa Sedky appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Today, we are excited to start a new series…

Each week, we will bring you closer to the artists and tutors of the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation (SOCO), sharing their stories, artistic styles, and creative journeys.

This week’s artist:
Shevaun Doherty

At the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, we believe that art begins with observation.

And with Shevaun, this idea becomes a way of life.

Shevaun is a botanical artist specialising in watercolor painting. She has come from the West to the East to share her expertise, and she works with us as a tutor and instructor, passing on her knowledge and passion to our students every day at SOCO.

In our conversation with her, she said something simple yet profound:
“Art is seeing the details that most people overlook.”

She does not simply paint nature
she reintroduces it to us in a way that allows us to see it again, differently.

Her journey began while living in Egypt, where nature became a daily source of inspiration. By collecting simple elements such as flowers and leaves, she developed a practice that later evolved into a refined artistic style combining scientific observation with artistic sensitivity.

At SOCO, this is exactly what Shevaun teaches our students…
not just how to paint, but how to observe, be patient, and truly understand what they are creating.

For her, painting is a quiet process that requires time and focus—values that we aim to cultivate in our students.

Her work is distinguished by its ability to capture light, color, and fine details using watercolor, making each piece feel like a true study of nature.

If you would like to begin your journey in this art form, you can join her courses at SOCO — available online from anywhere in the world.

To join : https://socofujairah.ae/product/painting-realistic-fruit-in-watercolour/

In this workshop, you will learn:
• The fundamentals of drawing
• Watercolor techniques (wet-on-wet, layering, dry brush)
• Understanding light, shadow, and fine details
• How to build a complete artwork step by step

We look forward to seeing you next week with another artist.

Thank you for following us ✨

The post Artist Spotlight appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Just as Ramadan offered a space for stillness and reflection, Eid arrives as a celebration of life and beauty. In Islamic culture, art has always been closely connected to this joy from Arabic calligraphy that adorns heartfelt greetings to Islamic ornamentation that brings elegance and delight to every detail.

At the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, we see Eid as a continuation of this journey, where art meets celebration, and creativity becomes a way to express gratitude and beauty.

Eid is also a time for connection, for sharing meaningful moments with those around us, and for expressing our emotions in different ways, including through art, which remains a universal language that brings hearts together across cultures.

On this blessed occasion, we extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones, and we pray that it returns to you with goodness, happiness, and peace.

Eid Mubarak,
May your good deeds be accepted, and wishing you a joyful year ahead 🌙✨

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Islamic arts have long been associated with this state of contemplation and serenity. The harmonious geometry of patterns, the delicate botanical motifs, and the flowing elegance of Arabic calligraphy are not merely aesthetic elements; they form a visual language that expresses the balance and harmony at the heart of this timeless art. Through these repeated and balanced patterns emerges a profound sense of order and beauty that has inspired artists for centuries.

During the nights of Ramadan, art takes on a special meaning. Practicing Arabic calligraphy, drawing Islamic patterns, or even reflecting on the beauty of ancient manuscripts can become moments of quiet focus and calm, where creativity turns into a space for reflection and inner peace.

One of the most beautiful values embodied in Islamic art is patience. Every artwork begins with a simple line or an initial idea, gradually developing step by step until harmony and beauty are achieved. An artist may spend hours—sometimes even days—perfecting a single line or repeating a decorative pattern until it reaches the desired balance. In this way, art meets the spirit of Ramadan. Just as one learns patience through fasting, an artist learns patience through the creative journey, where the artistic process becomes a peaceful experience of focus, contemplation, and serenity.

At the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, we believe that traditional arts are not merely technical skills, but a cultural and spiritual experience at the same time. Through learning Arabic calligraphy and the arts of ornamentation and Islamic geometry, students discover not only the beauty of these arts but also the deeper philosophy behind them—where art becomes a space for reflection and a bridge to cultural heritage.

As this blessed month approaches its end, the last ten days remain a precious opportunity to pause for a moment, reflect on the beauty that surrounds us, and renew our connection with art, culture, and inner peace.

Ramadan Mubarak,

May these blessed days be filled with beauty. 🌙

The post When Silence Becomes a Space for Art appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

From London to Fujairah

SOCO × SOAS: Postgraduate Diploma and MA Program Accredited by the University of London

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi,
the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation continues to consolidate its position as a global centre dedicated to the aesthetics of calligraphy, manuscripts, and the arts of the book—championing the values of beauty, authenticity, and visual heritage.

In this context, the School is pleased to announce the launch of two specialised academic programmes in Manuscript Arts: the Postgraduate Diploma and the Master of Arts in Manuscript Arts, delivered in Fujairah with academic validation from SOAS University of London.

Both programmes are offered in person in Fujairah at the School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation, located at Al Taif Business Centre, 17th Floor, and are academically validated by the University of London. This international accreditation reflects the academic rigour and high standard of both the theoretical and practical components of the programmes.

This collaboration provides students with the opportunity to pursue a world-class academic education aligned with international standards, within a culturally rich and inspiring environment that honours tradition while engaging with contemporary practice.

It further strengthens Fujairah’s position as a centre for cultural and intellectual exchange, attracting those interested in manuscript arts from within the UAE and beyond. Students are able to access globally recognised education locally, through an integrated learning experience that brings together academic research and the traditional practices of the book arts.

Programme Structure and Key Features

• A comprehensive structure comprising 30% theoretical study and 70% practical application, ensuring both conceptual understanding and technical mastery.
• Theoretical modules delivered by experienced academic staff from SOAS University of London.
• International study trips: Egypt or Turkey in the first year, and Spain or Italy in the second year.
• An integrated curriculum covering calligraphy, illumination, gilding, and bookbinding, enabling students to produce a complete manuscript by hand.
• Suitable for applicants from graphic design, Arabic language studies, library and information studies, conservation and restoration, art history, as well as all those with a strong interest in this field.
• Admission requirements include: a recognised university degree, portfolio submission, personal interview, and English language proficiency.
• Accessible tuition fees, flexible payment plans, discounts for returning students, and dedicated support for Fujairah nationals.

About SOAS University of London

SOAS University of London is one of the world’s leading institutions specialising in the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, and is located in the heart of London.
Renowned for its academic excellence in arts, cultural studies, and manuscript research, SOAS places strong emphasis on the relationship between scholarly research and living cultural traditions.

If you feel that this programme aligns with your academic interests and professional aspirations,
register your interest and our team will be in touch.

🔗 https://socofujairah.ae/academic/

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The School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation is proud to announce its specialised programmes for the academic year 2025–2026, blending tradition with innovation. Our courses award accredited CPD certificates, and top participants will enjoy a cultural trip to Uzbekistan as part of their learning journey.

We are also launching a new Annual Events Calendar for 2025, ensuring our community stays updated on every workshop, course, and cultural activity.

Annual Full-Year Programmes (September – June)

Turkish Illumination & Gilding – a complete journey into Ottoman artistry.
Thuluth Mastery – a professional pathway in Thuluth calligraphy.
Naskh Calligraphy – an in-depth study of one of the most elegant scripts.
Islamic Geometric Ornamentation – exploring the principles and precision of Islamic geometry.
All full-year programmes include CPD certification and prepare participants for professional and artistic development in the field of Islamic arts.

Semester One Programmes (September – February) – Level One

These entry-level courses are designed as a foundation. Completion qualifies students to progress to advanced levels in Semester 2.

• Halkar Illumination for Beginners
• Advanced Skills in Islamic Floral Ornamentation
• Digital Geometric Design (Rare Specialisation): A unique course guiding students from hand-drawing Islamic patterns to creating digital models ready for furniture, décor, or product design using AutoCAD and laser cutting.
• Foundations of Diwani Calligraphy

Short Courses & One-Day Workshops

If you’re simply curious to try out our courses without committing to a full programme, our doors are always open for you. We have designed a range of short and one-day workshops that give you the chance to experience the beauty of traditional arts in a fun, hands-on way.

Highlights include:

• Indian Miniature Art: Explore the delicate details of plants, trees, animals, portraits, angels, and architectural elements through miniature painting.
• Botanical Watercolour Painting: Discover the elegance of nature-inspired art using traditional watercolour techniques.

All short courses are offered in-person in Fujairah, with some options available online for broader access.

These workshops are perfect for those who want to explore, experiment, and enjoy a taste of traditional arts, even if it’s just for a day.

Calligraphy Competition – FICCO 2025

The deadline is fast approaching for submissions to the International Calligraphy Competition

The competition welcomes participants from around the world, with a dedicated category for Emirati calligraphers. Winning works will be showcased in the official exhibition.

Submit your entry here : https://socofujairah.ae/ficoc/

The post From Fujairah to Uzbekistan – School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation Programmes 2025/2026 appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

But what exactly is a manuscript?
It is not just an old book, but a complete work of art combining the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, the precision of geometric and floral ornamentation, the colours of nature, and the touches of gilding and bookbinding that preserve the heritage and culture of a nation.

In this program, you will learn:
✒️ Arabic Calligraphy
🎨 Geometric and Floral Ornamentation
🌿 Nature Drawing and Colouring
✨ Gilding, Bookmaking, and Bookbinding

Believing that art is best understood when experienced in its original context, participants will enjoy two fully funded artistic study trips:
✈️ Egypt – during the first semester, to explore Islamic art in its museums and historic mosques.
✈️ Uzbekistan – after the first semester, to discover the wonders of architecture and ornamentation in the heart of Central Asia.

💡 Limited seats available – 12 full scholarships covering the program fees and international study trips are offered to accepted applicants:

• 8 scholarships for UAE nationals
• 2 scholarships for GCC nationals
• 2 scholarships for UAE residents

The scholarship includes all necessary tools and art materials for classroom work.

📅 Program start date: 15 September 2025 – Duration: 1 year
📍 Fujairah, United Arab Emirates

🔗 Register now and embark on an artistic and cultural journey that revives the soul of letters and ornamentation:
Click here to apply

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We’re always delighted to have you as part of our creative community. In this newsletter, we’re excited to share highlights of our latest events, creative workshops for both adults and children, as well as special invitations for the UAE calligraphy community.

 Summer Is Brighter with SOCO’s Camp

We’re excited to announce the continuation of our Summer Camp for Children and Youth (ages 6–16) throughout the month of August, following the great success of the July program!

📍 Location: Al Taif Business Centre – 17th Floor – Fujairah

The camp offers a rich variety of creative workshops, hands-on activities, and fun-filled experiences designed to inspire, engage, and develop young talents.

Invitation to the Second Gathering of UAE Calligraphers

📍 Venue: School of Calligraphy & Ornamentation – Fujairah
📅 Date: Sunday, July 27, 2025
🕔 Time: 5:00 PM

Discussion Topics:

• Reasons and Secrets Behind Variations in Quranic Orthography
• Meaning Through Form: Semantic Shifts in Quranic Structure with Examples

💻 The online attendance link has been shared through the official WhatsApp group.

📞 To join or inquire:
+971 50 476 6337
📧 Email: info@socofujairah.ae

🔗 Coverage of the first gathering:
https://socofujairah.ae/category/news-articles/

Adult Workshops – Every Sunday

We offer a diverse range of workshops for adults (ages 16 and above), led by professional artists and held on-site at the school.

🎨 Glass Painting – Sunday, July 27 & August 3 | 🕒 11:00 AM–1:00 PM | 💰 AED 80
💧 Ebru (Water Marbling) – Sunday, August 3 | 🕒 3:00–5:00 PM | 💰 AED 40
🧵 Woodblock Printing & Islamic Ornamentation – Sunday, August 10 | 🕒 11:00 AM–2:00 PM | 💰 AED 60

📌 [Register Now https://socofujairah.ae/courses/– Limited Seats Available]

🌹 That’s all for today’s newsletter — thank you for being with us!

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