KUWAIT: The Cultural Pavilion at the 48th Kuwait International Book Fair hosted a special workshop on Sunday titled “Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation,” organized by the Kuwaiti Traditional Crafts Association. The event attracted fair visitors, calligraphy enthusiasts, and admirers of traditional arts. Calligrapher Mustafa Khaja, who led the workshop, said in a press release that preserving Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation is vital to maintaining a core element of Kuwait’s cultural identity.
He expressed delight at the enthusiastic participation, particularly from students, whom he described as “the generation that will carry these arts forward.” The workshop offered a comprehensive overview of the history, development, types, and characteristics of Arabic calligraphy, alongside hands-on training for participants to write their names using traditional calligraphy tools. Interactive discussions covered calligraphic schools and methods for enhancing Arabic writing skills.
In addition, participants explored the fundamentals of Islamic ornamentation, including geometric and floral patterns, and examined the aesthetic relationship between ornamentation and calligraphy. A dedicated session for school students was organized through a collaboration between the Kuwaiti Traditional Crafts Association, the National Council for Culture, Arts and Letters, and the Ministry of Education, highlighting the importance of nurturing young talent and promoting artistic and cultural awareness within the community. — KUNA
