Event at Erbil’s historic Qaysari bazaar

Calligraphers celebrate world calligraphy day

2024-08-11 | 18:58

ERBIL — Calligraphers convened at the historic Qaysari Bazaar in Erbil on Sunday to mark World Calligraphy Day, showcasing their art amidst the market’s storied backdrop. The event, set in one of Erbil’s oldest markets, celebrated the enduring cultural significance of calligraphy in the region.

The Qaysari Bazaar, a landmark over two centuries old, suffered extensive damage from a major fire on May 5, which destroyed 227 shops and seven warehouses, and injured 132 people.

Omed Barzinji, Director of the Erbil Museum, stressed the importance of calligraphy to the region’s educational heritage. “Calligraphy is an essential part of our educational tradition, which is why we honor World Calligraphy Day with such importance,” Barzinji told 964media.

Yahya Ibrahim, a renowned Erbil calligrapher, spoke about the diverse range of calligraphy styles. “We organize numerous workshops and exhibitions dedicated to calligraphy each year due to its ancient and sophisticated history. Currently, there are more than 60 different writing styles,” Ibrahim shared with 964media.

He highlighted that calligraphy showcases “the beauty of the culture,” with esteemed styles like Kufic, Thuluth, Ruq’ah, and Diwani.

Kufic, one of the oldest forms of Arabic script, is recognized for its angular, linear design and was used in early Quran manuscripts. Thuluth is celebrated for its large, elegant, curved letters. Ruq’ah offers simplicity and legibility, making it popular for handwriting and printed materials. Diwani, developed during the Ottoman Empire, features decorative, intricate patterns and was traditionally used in official documents.

World Calligraphy Day, initiated in 2017 by the British Manuscript Pen Company, occurs annually on the second Wednesday of August. This day encourages the appreciation of both traditional and modern calligraphy styles and promotes the art as a creative form of expression.

In Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, calligraphy is revered as a vital part of cultural heritage, deeply intertwined with Islamic tradition and influenced by centuries of historical and cultural developments.

Historically, during the Abbasid Caliphate, Baghdad emerged as a cultural and intellectual center, with celebrated calligraphers like Ibn Muqla and Ibn al-Bawwab establishing influential styles such as Thuluth and Naskh.

Despite its rich heritage, traditional calligraphy faces challenges in the modern era, with economic hardships and technological advancements diminishing its demand. Many calligraphers supplement their income with other jobs, as digital design tools increasingly replace traditional methods.