An Iraqi researcher and calligrapher says Imam Ali (AS) was the pioneer in the art of calligraphy in the Islamic world.
This is according to Ali Haider al-Hesani, a calligrapher
and researcher of Islamic arts from Iraq, who made the statement in a panel which
was held on the sidelines of the 31st International Holy Quran Fair
in Tehran on Monday.
Iraq holds the title of the calligraphy capital in the Arab
world, a distinction deeply rooted in its history and the influence of Imam Ali
(AS), he said.
“Imam Ali (AS) pioneered the art of calligraphy in the
Islamic world,” he said, adding, “The Kufi script, one of the world’s oldest
forms of calligraphy, originated in Kufa during Imam Ali’s time.”
The art of Quranic calligraphy spread from Kufa to Baghdad,
and from there, it reached other countries, he added.
Rulers such as the Timurids and Fatimids contributed to the
evolution of Quranic calligraphy, al-Hesani said, noting that the Ottoman Empire
significantly influenced the development of Arabic lines and calligraphy tools.
In 1974, Iraq established the first association of Quranic calligraphers
in the Arab world, he noted, adding that in Iraq, centers like the holy shrines
of Imam Ali (AS) and Hazrat Abbas (AS) continue to uphold the tradition of
calligraphy.
Farid Abdul Rahim Foulad Ali, the former head of the Islamic
Arts Center of Kuwait, and Ahmad Hassan Abu Sharif, a calligrapher from Saudi
Arabia, were other speakers at the session.
The 31st International Holy Quran Fair opened its doors at
Tehran's Imam Khomeini Mosalla on March 20, welcoming visitors to a spiritual
and cultural journey that coincides with the Nowruz holidays.
The exhibition, which will run until April 2, invites
enthusiasts to explore its offerings daily from 5:00 PM to 00:30 AM local time.
A key highlight of the exhibition is its family-friendly
atmosphere, ensuring a welcoming space for all ages.
Additionally, the fair has arranged for Iftar tables to be
set up, providing a communal space for visitors to break their fast together.
The fair features various Quranic institutions and governmental
bodies, as well as international participants from 25 countries. The also
highlights the issues of Gaza and Palestine and the role of the Quran in
inspiring resistance.
The fair aims to familiarize people with Quranic concepts
through artistic, cultural, and theatrical mediums, especially for children and
teenagers. It also offers sections on artificial intelligence, Nahj
al-Balaghah, Quranic research and consultation, Quran translation, and easy
Quran memorization.