Riyadh: Arabic calligraphy, one of the traditional arts of the Arab-Islamic world, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Recognition by UNESCO is based on nominations from 16 Muslim-majority countries, led by Saudi Arabia, to the UN Educational-Scientific and Cultural Organization.
UNESCO says Arabic calligraphy is an artistic handwriting art that expresses beauty, elegance and unity. Arabic calligraphy can stretch and shorten letters to create different shapes and offer infinite possibilities even within a single word. Saudi Culture Minister Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud welcomed the decision. He added that this recognition would contribute to the development of a great cultural heritage.
Arabic calligraphy, a symbol of Arab national identity, is deeply ingrained in Saudi history. In view of this cultural significance, the Ministry of Culture has declared 2020 and 2021 as the Years of Arabic Calligraphy.
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