Cultural / Prince Mohammed bin Salman International Center for Arabic Calligraphy in Medina Reviews the Origins and Development of Arabic Calligraphy

Medina, Safar 01, 1448 AH, corresponding to July 15, 2026, SPA - The Prince Mohammed bin Salman International Center for Arabic Calligraphy (Dar al-Qalam) is a specialized cultural landmark that aims to highlight the status of Arabic calligraphy as one of the most important components of Islamic cultural identity, and to enhance its presence through education, research, museum exhibitions, and cultural programs. The center combines cultural, educational, and administrative functions within a modern environment designed according to the best architectural and sustainability standards, merging heritage preservation, education, research, museum display, and artistic innovation. It offers a rich cultural and educational experience that showcases the evolution of Arabic calligraphy through the ages and affirms its continuity as a key element of Islamic cultural identity. The center is located on a plot of land exceeding 5,000 square meters, with a total built-up area of over 9,000 square meters distributed across several floors. The building's design incorporates environmental sustainability standards, resulting in the integration of solar energy systems, natural lighting solutions, and the use of local sustainable building materials such as basalt volcanic stones. This culminated in the center obtaining the Gold certification for sustainability from the U.S. Green Building Council, in support of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Kingdom's Vision 2030. The building comprises three floors, each with a specialized function. The ground floor serves as the main entrance, including a visitor reception wing, main lobby, store, café, permanent museum, temporary exhibition hall, library, first aid room, and VIP lounge, ensuring a comprehensive cultural experience for visitors. The first floor is dedicated to educational and training programs, containing three training halls, three Arabic calligraphy studios, and multipurpose spaces that can be used for training, meetings, or office workspaces, along with a theater for events and activities. Its renovation preserved the historical character and some original parts restored in a way that maintains their identity. The second floor houses administrative facilities, meeting and conference rooms, as well as an external courtyard for seating and relaxation. The museum is one of the center's most prominent cultural elements, housing over 56 museum pieces representing different stages in the history of Arabic calligraphy, documenting Medina's connection to the origins and development of this art through the ages. The museum journey begins with a display of Mushaf script (Madani or Makki), representing the earliest stages of Arabic calligraphy's development in Medina and Mecca. Then visitors move to a display of the first pure Islamic dinar, minted by order of Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in 81 AH / 700 CE, serving as a testament to the connection between Arabic calligraphy and Islamic civilization and its economic systems. The museum highlights stone inscriptions documenting the evolution of Arabic writing, along with a collection of original calligraphers' tools and illuminated manuscripts reflecting the skill of calligraphers and the art of illumination, and the precision in producing Qur'ans and manuscripts. A dedicated space showcases the historical role of the Prophet's Mosque in the flourishing of Arabic calligraphy arts, through displays of mosque murals calligraphed by Abdallah Zuhdi, and locks of the Rawdah (the Noble Garden) engraved with Quranic verses in pure silver, reflecting the artistic and religious significance of Arabic calligraphy. The museum presents the spread of Arabic calligraphy beyond the Arabian Peninsula through various examples of Qur'ans and manuscripts from China, Africa, and other regions of the Islamic world, embodying local cultural influences on letter forms, ornamentation, and Qur'an boxes. It also addresses the transition of Arabic calligraphy from writing Qur'ans to documenting Arabic literature, displaying a copy of the poem "Al-Burda" by Ka'b ibn Zuhair, which he recited before the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Medina, indicating the use of Arabic calligraphy in preserving literary heritage alongside religious texts. The exhibits conclude by highlighting Arabic calligraphy as a contemporary visual art, featuring modern artworks, most notably works by Saudi artist Lulwah Al-Homoud, who has reimagined Arabic letters within innovative geometric and mathematical compositions inspired by the names of Allah. The museum offers visitors a sequential historical journey starting from the origins of Arabic calligraphy in Medina, then reviewing its development during the Islamic caliphate era and the role of the Prophet's Mosque in its flourishing, before moving to its spread across various Islamic civilizations in Africa, Morocco, India, and beyond, containing prominent historical evidence, including a stone indicating the location of the house of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, alongside contemporary artworks embodying the continued evolution of Arabic calligraphy as a living art combining authenticity and creativity. // End //14:28 T M 0086