Ministry of Culture names 15 finalists for Akhlaq Arabic Calligraphy Award
<p>Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Culture announced Saturday the names of 15 calligraphers shortlisted for the finals of the second Akhlaq Award - International Arabic Calligraphy Art Competition for 2026, as part of its efforts to promote Arabic calligraphy, encourage creative talent and reinforce the art's stature as an enduring component of Arab and Islamic cultural identity.</p> <p>The…
Doha, Qatar - The Ministry of Culture has unveiled a list of 15 calligraphers who have been shortlisted for the second Akhlaq Award, an international competition celebrating Arabic calligraphy. This initiative underscores the ministry's commitment to promoting Arabic calligraphy, nurturing artistic talent, and elevating the art form's stature within Arab and Islamic cultural heritage.
The finalists hail from various backgrounds, each distinguished by their mastery of the craft. Muhannad Daifallah Abdulqaisi, Bilal Mukhtar Salah Atiya, Kirzan Abu Bakr Karim, and Muhammad Abu Bakr Siddiq are among the names on the list. Notable figures like Nour Faisal, Ali Irani, and Hussam Al Matar also join the roster of talented artists vying for the top prize.
The contest, organized by the Ministry of Culture, aims to underscore the profound connection between the beauty of Arabic calligraphy and the values it embodies. Contestants are tasked with adhering to traditional rules and executing their work on Ahar paper using traditional inks. The jury will evaluate the entries based on their adherence to these time-honored techniques and the integration of value-laden texts.
Jali Thuluth and Regular Thuluth scripts have been selected as the artistic criteria for the competition's first and second stages, respectively. Contestants are prohibited from adding any personal signatures or identifiers, ensuring a fair and impartial evaluation process.
The Ministry of Culture is set to award substantial cash prizes to the winners, recognizing the exceptional skill and dedication demonstrated by the finalists. This prestigious competition serves as a platform to celebrate the rich legacy of Arabic calligraphy and inspire future generations of artists to uphold its timeless traditions.
Written by urgent.news from The Peninsula Qatar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
