Recently, a delegation from the Qatar International Arabic Calligraphy Competition, known as Al Raqim, traveled to Turkey to strengthen ties with Turkish institutes in the Arabic calligraphy sector. Their goal was to explore potential collaborations in this artistic field.
Led by Saleh bin Ali Al Marri, who oversees the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha, the delegation included notable members such as Ali Al Mihna, Hassan Al Obaidly, and calligrapher Ubaida Al Banki. Their discussions focused on potential partnerships with the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA), emphasizing the relevance of artistic competitions in Arabic calligraphy. They also talked about future projects and the vital role these competitions play in revitalizing Islamic arts and maintaining the visual identity of the Ummah.
The IRCICA, established in 1979 as the first cultural center of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), praised Qatar’s efforts in facilitating the international calligraphy competition and noted the successful collaboration with the Qatar Museum of Islamic Art.
Prominent calligrapher Huseyin Kutlu recognized Qatar’s leading role in global initiatives and stressed the importance of establishing a distinguished judging panel for the Al Raqim competition. It has been announced that this panel will comprise five esteemed calligraphers from across the globe, whose identities will be revealed at a future date.
### What Does the Competition Entail?
The inaugural edition of the Al Raqim competition was launched in July, officiated by the Qatari Awqaf Minister, Ghanem bin Shaheen Al Ghanim. The event attracted state officials, prominent calligraphers, and enthusiasts from various countries, all gathering at the Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic Cultural Centre in Doha.
The competition features five categories, each with eight winners. Notably, the ‘Thuluth Script: Jeli and Regular’ division offers a first-place prize of 85,000 Qatari riyals (approximately $23,400). The top prizes for other categories such as ‘Nashk Script,’ ‘Diwani Jeli Script,’ ‘Nasta’liq Jeli Script,’ and ‘Kufic Quranic Script’ are set at 70,000 Qatari riyals (around $18,700) each.
This competition invites both men and women aged 18 and above from Qatar and other Arab nations, allowing each participant to submit one original calligraphy piece by December 26.
