Doha, September 01 (QNA) - The finals of the International Arabic Calligraphy Art Contest, Akhlaq Award, organized by the Ministry of Culture (MOC), kicked-off Monday. The competition will run from Sept. 1 to 8, and the closing ceremony honoring the winners will be held on Sept. 9, in the presence of a distinguished group of cultural and artistic figures.

The competition centers on writing a selected Quranic verse in a single line using bold Thuluth Jeli script, under the supervision of relevant authorities to ensure transparency and fairness in the judging process.

The Akhlaq Award aims to highlight the inherent relationship between artistic creativity and sublime human values. The competition seeks to instill moral values ​​through the authentic art of Arabic calligraphy, an integral part of the rich Islamic heritage.

On this occasion, Director of the Culture and Arts Department at MOC Abdulrahman Al Dulaimi, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) that the Ministry attaches great importance to linking the arts with sublime messages, and the selection of Arabic calligraphy for the competition reflects the status of this art form in Islamic civilization. He added that the objective of the award goes beyond assessing technical skills, to make the content and moral substance the focus of the artwork, leveraging Arabic calligraphy to serve noble human values ​​and build bridges between visual beauty and moral depth.

Al Dulaimi pointed out that the competition witnessed widespread international participation, with over 300 calligraphers from across the Islamic world participating, and only 15 qualifying for the final stage in Lusail. He emphasized that the award combines the beauty of the letter with the spirit of morality, explaining that what is written today will remain an enduring legacy and a vibrant art form.

The competition conditions include prohibiting the use of electronic devices, and work must be completed within the designated hall using traditional calligraphy without modern additions. The paper must be stamped by the Ministry to ensure credibility.

On the sidelines of the Akhlaq Award, a rich cultural program will be held, showcasing the aesthetic beauty of Arabic calligraphy and its role in promoting human values, with the participation of experts, artists, and calligraphers from Qatar and abroad.

The award program will begin on Sept. 4, with a symposium on Arabic calligraphy and Qatari experiences, presented by writer and calligrapher Ibrahim Fakhro and calligrapher Abdullah Fakhro, moderated by Khulood Al Kuwari.

The following day will host a symposium on Arabic calligraphy and the promotion of human and aesthetic values, featuring Executive Director of the Arabic Calligraphy Academy Dr. Youssef Shalar, Egyptian calligrapher Abdelsalam Al Bassiouni, and researcher Dr. Ali Afifi.

On Sept. 6, a symposium on calligraphy ornamentation and the formation of meaning will be held with the participation of Kuwaiti calligrapher Jassim Maraj, calligrapher Hameed Al Saadi, and moderated by calligrapher and visual artist Fatima Al Sharshani.

The events will conclude on Sept. 7 with a symposium on the geometry of Arabic calligraphy and modern techniques, featuring engineer and visual artist Mohammed Ali Abel, Professor Belaid Hamidi, and presented by visual artist Saleh Al Obaidli.

The Akhlaq Award is part of the Ministry of Culture's vision to promote sublime values ​​through the arts, highlight Arabic calligraphy as a pillar of cultural identity and human heritage, and encourage artistic creativity that reflects the principles of ethics and beauty, thus contributing to the enrichment of the cultural landscape in the State of Qatar. (QNA)