Egyptian artist Hana El Masry is offering a workshop for beginners in Islamic miniature art.It begins with a theoretical introduction to the history and symbolism of this art, followed by a practical session on colouring a pre-drawn model using traditional techniques. Participants will learn how to analyse and draw trees and natural elements from various miniature schools, with the goal of developing their artistic skills and building confidence to produce a complete work inspired by this rich heritage.

اليوم: الخميس 23 أكتوبر
Time: 1:30-3:30

SOCO، الطابق ١٧، مساحة التعلّم 4

Language: Arabic

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Instructor:

Hana El Masry is an artist specialising in miniatures and traditional Islamic arts. She began her career more than ten years ago with Arabic calligraphy, then moved on to the arts of decoration and miniature. In 2019, she received a scholarship to Fatih Sultan Mehmet University in Istanbul, where she studied under Professor Jahangir Ashurov from Bukhara.
She has participated in workshops in collaboration with universities and cultural institutions since 2017, and continues to teach, create, and research.

The post مقدمة في فن المنمنمات الإسلامية-الخميس 23 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

This workshop provides participants with a comprehensive practical introduction to the art of Islamic ornamentation in the Persian style.
The workshop begins with a theoretical introduction to the history of the development of Islamic ornamentation and its schools (Arabic, Turkish, Persian), along with an introduction to aesthetic principles and traditional tools.
Participants then move on to the practical side by drawing basic decorative elements such as curves, flowers, leaves, and buds. They will then practice planning a complete decorative pattern, starting from the design on paper and continuing through transferring, colouring, and gilding to the final touches. At the end of the workshop, each participant will create their own decorative painting using professional tools and techniques.

Date

 Wednesday, October 22, 10:30–12:30

SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 5

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Suitable for beginners and those interested in Islamic ornamentation and gilding, as well as artists who wish to develop their skills.

Language: Arabic

Trainer

Zuhair Muzail – A Bahraini artist specialising in Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, with over 20 years of experience in the artistic and educational fields.

 He has participated in local and international exhibitions and competitions, and has won advanced positions in calligraphy and ornamentation competitions across Bahrain. He is an active member of the Bahrain Contemporary Art Society and the Bahrain Calligraphers Forum.

His work combines the authenticity of heritage with the aesthetics of contemporary art. He publishes his works on Instagram and Facebook to promote the culture of calligraphy and ornamentation.

The post أساسيات الزخرفة الفارسية المزهرة: من التكوين إلى التذهيب –  الأربعاء22  أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Thuluth script is known as the "Mother of Calligraphy" for its elegance, beauty, and fluidity. It has adorned the walls of Islamic buildings and the pages of sacred manuscripts throughout the ages. The workshop aims to introduce participants to the basics of Thuluth script and what distinguishes it from other scripts, while learning about letter structures and how to write them according to correct rules. Participants will also receive direct guidance from Professor Muhammad Hobi to hone their skills and practice using calligraphy tools.

Date

الخميس 23 أكتوبر من الساعة 10:30 صباحًا إلى 12:30 م

Second Floor

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Trainer

Muhammad Hobi is a professional calligrapher from South Africa residing in Turkey. He converted to Islam in 1991, studied Islamic studies, and memorized the Holy Quran. He then moved to Turkey, where he studied under Sheikh Hasan Çelebi starting in 2009 through the Erska Center. He obtained a license in Thuluth and Naskh scripts in 2013, and participated in exhibitions inside and outside Türkiye. He continues to teach and transfer his expertise to his students in Istanbul.

The post الثلث – أم النصوص -الخميس 23 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

This workshop focuses on deconstructing the modern Fassi style in Moroccan Mabsout calligraphy as a living school that combines the authenticity of Moroccan compositions with the flexibility of contemporary application. The course begins with a brief historical introduction that places the trainee in the context of the development of Mabsout and its relationship to Moroccan schools (particularly Fez). It then moves on to the rules of lettering and its alternative forms, the consistency of the balance between line and white, and controlling the visual rhythm of words and phrases. The program focuses on mastering practical approaches: pen holding, ink and paper preparation, angles of the cat, exercises for gradual progression from single letters to compound letters, then balanced lines, leading to the creation of a short painting that takes into account the Moroccan spirit in the compositions and supporting decorations without excess. The instructor devotes space for constructive criticism and individual reviews, with comparative models between traditional Fassi styles and modern applications that are appropriate for posters and visual identity. At the end of the workshop, the trainee will receive a simplified practical guide for manuscript care: space planning, phrase selection, estimating letter sizes, and adjusting the formal relationships that give the work its authentic Moroccan signature, along with suggestions for continuing and self-development after the sessions.

Date

Wednesday, October 22, 1:30–3:30 PM

Second Floor

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Trainer

Abdel Rahim Koulin is Head of the Arabic Calligraphy Department at the Academy of Traditional Arts in Casablanca, a member of the National Jury for the Mohammed VI Award for Paper Decoration, and the founder and treasurer of the Moroccan Association for Calligraphy Arts. He has participated in writing sections of the Holy Qur’an and has participated in international exhibitions and conferences since 1990. He also offers practical workshops specialising in Moroccan calligraphy.

The post الأسلوب الفاسي الحديث في الخط المغربي المبسوط-الأربعاء 22 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

This workshop offers a practical experience exploring freehand Arabic calligraphy as an artistic medium for personal expression and contemporary creativity. Participants will learn the fundamentals of this style and how to flexibly employ Arabic letters to create innovative compositions that transcend traditional forms.
Through practical exercises and direct instruction, participants will gain basic skills in using letters as vibrant visual elements, transforming them into artworks that convey a message and meaning. They will also experiment with the balance of lines, colours, and movement to produce contemporary calligraphic compositions that reflect their individual identities.

 Thursday, October 23. 1:30–3:30 PM

SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 5

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Trainer

Diaa Allam is an Egyptian artist based in the UAE. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and Landscape Design. He is known for his contemporary style, which redefines Arabic calligraphy as a means of personal expression and building bridges between cultures. In his workshops, he combines skill and inspiration, providing students with a creative space to develop their own styles.
Through his extensive experience, he strives to make Arabic calligraphy a contemporary art accessible to all, while preserving its timeless appeal. He has participated in numerous exhibitions and art events and continues his mission to revive the aesthetics of the Arabic script and inspire new generations.

The post الخط العربي الحر-  الخميس 23 أكتوبر: appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Artist Maida Noor guides participants step by step to discover the aesthetics of Moroccan calligraphy, distinguished by its fluidity and artistic uniqueness. The workshop begins with an introduction to the rich history of this script and its cultural significance in the Islamic world. Participants then learn to use the traditional reed pen and the classic dot system to write Arabic letters and connect them to form complete words and sentences.
The workshop aims to train participants to combine technical precision with artistic expression, highlighting the beauty of calligraphic compositions in a unique Moroccan style that combines authenticity and creativity.

Date:

Wednesday, October 22nd, Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Venue: SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 4

Instructor:

Maaida Noor is an award-winning British artist of Pakistani origin. Her works are inspired by the diverse heritage of Islamic art, blending styles from the Maghreb, Fatimids, Safavids, Mughals, and Indians. For her, art is a form of meditation and prayer, using verses from Islamic sacred texts to embody the human connection to the eternal. Through her art, she aims to remind us of the essence of our oneness with nature and our return to the Beloved.

The post مقدمة في الخط المغربي – الأربعاء 22 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Date

Thursday, October 23: 10:30 – 12:30 PM

SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 5

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Instructor:

Shevaun Dohorty is an award-winning botanical and naturalistic artist working with watercolours on paper and parchment. She has collaborated with scientists and researchers to promote biodiversity and designed four sets of stamps titled "Flora and Fauna" for Ireland, and her works are included in the national collection. She served as President of the Society of Botanical Artists in the UK from 2020 to 2025, and has organised major exhibitions at London galleries. Her work was also on display at the National Museum of Natural History in Athens in May 2025. She is a passionate teacher of natural art, sharing her expertise with learners of all levels.

The post رسم طائر الهدهد بالألوان المائية – الخميس 23 اكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

زخرفة غلاف المخطوط في الفن الإسلامية

This workshop offers a practical experience in designing floral and geometric motifs traditionally used on Islamic manuscript covers. Participants will begin by learning about the parts and components of an Islamic cover, then begin drawing and preparing the basic outline. They will then move on to gilding techniques using colours and gold, culminating in the final finishing touches of the artwork. The workshop aims to develop artistic and creative skills while preserving the authenticity of the classic style.

Date: Tuesday, October 21

Time: 4-6 PM

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 4

Instructor:

Haya Obaid Al Ketbi is an Emirati artist with a Bachelor's degree in Education. She specialises in visual arts and contemporary experiments inspired by Islamic heritage. She has presented various workshops in the UAE and is interested in combining traditional decorative skills with modern techniques to present a contemporary vision that reflects her artistic identity.

The post زخرفة غلاف المخطوط في الفن الإسلامي (للسيدات فقط) الثلاثاء21 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

Day: Thursday, October 23
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 PM

Second Floor

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Instructor:

Samira Mian is a British contemporary artist and teacher, specialising in reviving the art of compass and ruler geometry to recreate Islamic patterns. She is renowned for her ability to simplify this complex art form and make it accessible to all through her educational workshops and digital content. Combining her artistic talent with her passion for teaching, sharing this precious artistic and intellectual heritage is a dream come true for her.

The post الهندسة الإسلامية appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.

This workshop aims to reveal the interpretive power of a single structure behind the rich diversity of quadrilateral patterns in Islamic architecture. Rather than analysing each pattern separately, the systematic background derived from traditional construction techniques will be explained using a compass and straightedge. Participants will see how these patterns, closely linked by the eight-pointed star, emerge from a common core and evolve into distinct variations, all belonging to a cohesive family.

اليوم: الثلاثاء 21 أكتوبر
Time: 10:30 – 12:30 pm

Target group

Adults (Ages 16+)

Venue: SOCO, 17th Floor, Learning Space 5

Trainer

Professor Serap Ikizler is an artist specialising in Ottoman illumination. She has years of experience reviving illumination traditions using traditional techniques and natural materials such as ground gold and plant pigments. She has participated in exhibitions and training workshops both inside and outside Türkiye, and excelled in blending classical Ottoman precision with contemporary artistic flair, offering participants an experience that combines historical depth and artistic creativity.

The post ورشة تدفق الأنماط الرباعية -الثلاثاء 21 أكتوبر appeared first on School of Calligraphy and Ornamentation.