Sharjah Public Libraries bring 14 centuries of Arabic writing to life

As part of its centennial celebrations, Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) launched ‘The History of Letters and Movement’ exhibition at Al Rahmaniyah Mall, which runs until July 20, in collaboration with the Holy Quran Academy in Sharjah.

Tracing the development of Arabic script over fourteen centuries, the exhibition explores how abstract early forms evolved into one of the most intricate and expressive writing systems in the world.

Open daily from 10am to 10pm, the exhibition provides visitors with an in-depth look at the milestones that have shaped Arabic writing, from the introduction of diacritical marks to the refinement of calligraphic styles.

It highlights the script’s transformation into a medium of knowledge and beauty, reaching its artistic and linguistic zenith in the Holy Quran. It underscores the enduring role of the script in preserving cultural identity and transmitting knowledge across generations.

The exhibition highlights the pivotal milestones in the development of Arabic writing and the influential role of the Holy Quran in refining writing tools and improving pronunciation and reading accuracy. It underscores the Quran’s significance as both a linguistic and aesthetic reference that contributed to the standardisation and development of the Arabic language.

On display are rare manuscripts and artefacts from the Holy Quran Academy collection, reflecting the artistic diversity of Arabic calligraphy.

They demonstrate how the written word became a tool for preserving heritage, language, and knowledge, as well as a mirror of the transformations in Arab and Islamic society and thought.

Reflecting a broad cultural movement, Eman Bushulaibi, Director of SPL, said: “The exhibition is part of SPL’s ongoing efforts to introduce the public to the rich artistic and cultural heritage embedded in the evolution of Arabic writing, which played a pivotal role in shaping the intellectual and scientific renaissance of the Arab and Islamic world.”

She continued: “The development of Arabic script reflects a far-reaching cultural movement that enriched Arab and Islamic literature with some of the most remarkable manuscripts and texts, meticulously created by skilled scribes in eras that relied solely on the reed pen and inkwell. Despite the limited tools, they succeeded in building a legacy of knowledge that continues to be honoured today. We hope the exhibition provides visitors with a chance to contemplate this legacy and appreciate the enduring power of writing in preserving identity and conveying ideas across generations.”

SPL invites residents and visitors of all ages to embark on a visual and cultural journey, exploring the evolution of the Arabic letter from stone inscriptions and manuscripts to printed books. The exhibition offers a meaningful encounter with a living linguistic heritage that continues to influence and shape contemporary Arab culture.