Italian students in Milan master Arabic calligraphy

The Arabic Cultural Institute at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, in collaboration with the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), honoured the achievements of outstanding graduates from an Arabic calligraphy workshop in a special ceremony that included a lecture on Arab and Islamic heritage in Andalusia.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA; Mario Gatti, Director of the Catholic University; and Dr Wael Farouq, Director of the Arabic Cultural Institute, attended the ceremony.

Highlighting Arab culture.

Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri underscored that the event embodies the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to champion Arab culture and its universal humanitarian values on a global scale, while fostering meaningful intellectual and cultural dialogue between civilisations.

Dignitaries at the event. Arab culture has a profound influence on Europe's social fabric.

He said: “Honouring the achievements of Italian students who have mastered the art of Arabic calligraphy is a powerful testament to the success of our collaborative efforts in bridging cultural divides. It highlights the enduring values of tolerance, compassion, and openness that Arab culture promotes.”

The CEO continued, “The Arabic Cultural Institute has firmly established itself as a dynamic hub for showcasing Arab heritage in Europe. We offer initiatives such as book and film clubs alongside continuous cultural programming. This reflects our unwavering commitment to spreading knowledge, nurturing shared human values, and building bridges of understanding between nations and cultures across the globe.”

A hub for celebrating Arab civilisation

On his part, Dr Wael Farouq commented on the institute’s success in organising a series of integrated cultural activities over two and a half months, “We are proud to honour students who have demonstrated creativity and dedication in mastering Arabic calligraphy – a centuries-old art form that reflects our rich visual heritage.”

He added: “It is truly inspiring to see the institute serve as a meeting point for individuals from diverse Western cultures who admire Arab civilisation and acknowledge its contribution to modern global progress. Inspired by the vision of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, we remain committed to promoting dialogue, tolerance, and creativity while upholding our responsibility to strengthen global cultural understanding.”

Arab contribution to Andalusian heritage

During the lecture, Spanish historian and writer Father José Pascual Martínez highlighted the profound influence of Arab culture on Europe’s social and cultural fabric, particularly in Andalusia. Martínez explored various aspects of this legacy, including language development, fashion, social traditions, irrigation systems, and musical arts, underscoring their enduring impact on European civilisation.

Aesthetics of Arabic calligraphy

Over two and a half months, the Arabic Cultural Institute organised diverse activities, including reading clubs, film screenings, and Arabic calligraphy workshops. The event culminated with the recognition of exceptional students who, despite not knowing how to read or write Arabic, showcased precision and mastery in calligraphy. Ahmed Bin Rakkad Al Ameri, accompanied by the university director, honoured these talented individuals for their role in preserving the beauty of Arabic script and enriching the cultural landscape in Europe.

Participants noted that the calligraphy programme highlighted the artistic beauty of Arabic letters and delved into their spiritual and symbolic dimensions. They described learning the Ruqah and Diwani scripts as an enriching experience that required skill and precision. With expert guidance, they gained insights into the intricate secrets of the art form, enabling them to appreciate Arab culture from aesthetic and intellectual perspectives.

Film screening

To conclude the event, the institute screened the film On the Bride's Side in the presence of its directors, Gabriele del Grande and Khaled Soliman Al Nassiry. The screening was followed by a panel discussion exploring the film’s cultural unity and human solidarity themes.

Recently, Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), chaired the authority’s third board meeting during the 43rd edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF 2024).

She highlighted the recent establishment of the Arab Cultural Institute in Milan as a pioneering effort to connect Arab culture with the world. SBA has ambitious plans to establish similar institutes in key global cities, with the goal of fostering cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.