Qatar hosts Arabic calligraphy workshops to inspire youth, preserve heritage

DOHA, Qatar (MNTV) — Qatar’s Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, in collaboration with the Museum of Islamic Art, has organized two Arabic calligraphy workshops aimed at fostering cultural appreciation and artistic talent among school students. 

The initiative, part of the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition Committee (Al-Raqim), brought together 70 students from Omar bin Al Khattab Secondary School and Al Wakra Secondary School.

According to the Ministry, the workshops formed part of the centers’ summer programs and were held in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education’s School Programs and Activities Division. 

The sessions aimed to strengthen students’ connection to the Arabic language, nurture their artistic skills, and promote Islamic identity.

The program included a visual presentation tracing the history and evolution of Arabic calligraphy, followed by practical training in the Ruq’ah script. 

Students were tasked with writing the phrase “Qatar Will Remain Free,” focusing on enhancing visual balance and the aesthetic harmony of letters.

Organizers said the initiative supports Al-Raqim’s educational vision to revive Arabic calligraphy and strengthen young people’s connection to Qatar’s visual and historical heritage.

It also underscores the art’s enduring association with the Holy Quran and the intricate decoration of its manuscripts over centuries.

Participants expressed enthusiasm for the workshops, saying the experience deepened their appreciation of cultural heritage, enhanced their artistic abilities, and strengthened their sense of national identity.