We’ve always loved the swirls of calligraphy, so were pleased to hear that UNESCO declared Arabic calligraphy an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The bid was led by Saudi Arabia but put forward by 16 Arab countries altogther which included Egypt, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates.
Saudi Arabia declared 2020 and 2021 the Year of Arabic Calligraphy, and it clearly has left its mark after this recent announcement. Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the country’s Minister of Culture, said, “We welcome the inscription of Arabic calligraphy, which is the result of the Kingdom championing this treasured aspect of authentic Arabic culture.”
While UNESCO is normally known for acknowledging heritage sites, it also includes cultural heritage. According to the criteria, the submission must show “‘the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, skills – as well as the instruments, objects, artefacts and cultural spaces associated therewith – that communities, groups and, in some cases, individuals recognise as part of their cultural heritage”.
The list is so extensive and recently saw Joumou soup from Haiti, rumba in Congo and pottery in Peru being given the label cultural heritage. The list also already includes falconry in Saudi Arabia and across other Arab countries.
If you want to get in on the calligraphy action, there are plenty of places you can see and learn to make it yourself, from the Light Calligraphy Wall mural in Al-Ihsa Street to Leka Shop on Ubadah Ibn Alsamit Street. While Saudi artist Nugamshi has an impressive Instagram account that shows his bold calligraphy pieces.
In support of the year’s bid, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is holding calligraphy workshops and exhibitions, so you can admire the beauty of this cultural heritage.
ich.unesco.org
