The Second Emirates Calligraphers’ Meeting: Exploring the Aesthetics of Qur’anic Script

The School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation hosted the second meeting of the Emirates Calligraphers, bringing together representatives from the school and the Emirates Calligraphers Association in a vibrant cultural atmosphere rich in artistic and intellectual exchange.

The meeting began with a welcoming address by Mr. Mohsen Nassar followed by Dr. Khalid Al-Yami,who presented a theoretical introduction on the topic of Qur’anic script styles.He explored the early stages of Qur’anic writing during the Prophetic era, the efforts of compilation during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him), and its unification under Caliph Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him).He emphasised that Qur’anic script is not merely a set of writing rules, but rather a profound aesthetic and rhetorical system that enriches the sacred text.

The session included valuable discussions among the attendees. Mr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi (joining remotely) Stressed the importance of incorporating this topic into training workshops to deepen calligraphers’ knowledge of Qur’anic script history. Mr. Fayez Al-Naqbi highlighted the need for practical examples to explain the intricacies of Ottoman script, while Ms. Dalal Al-Dhanhani suggested introducing hands-on activities where participants could write Qur’anic passages using Ottoman orthography, thus connecting theory with practice.

The discussion focused on several key themes, including the unique features of Qur’anic script, the reasons behind variations in spelling—such as omission, addition, or substitution—and the influence of historical events on the development of this art form. The session also highlighted the aesthetic dimension of Qur’anic script portraying it as an elevated art form that fuses the sanctity وof the text with the beauty of artistic composition.

At the end of the meeting, several practical proposals were raised, including:

Providing transportation options for members who live far away and wish to attend.

Including specialised practical workshops as part of the monthly meetings.

Continuing to hold the meetings on the last Sunday of each month.

The meeting concluded after a series of discussions that reaffirmed that Qur’anic script is not just a historical discipline but a living art and a rich intellectual and spiritual legacy.It remains a timeless message carried forward by generations of calligraphers one that reflects the ongoing cultural and aesthetic significance of Islamic calligraphy.