Arab Calligraphy on the UNESCO Representative List

As a result of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's successful cooperation with 15 Arab countries under the auspices of the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO), 'Arabic Calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices' has today been officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, according to a press statement by the Saudi Embassy in Budapest.

With its importance derived from religious texts, Arabic Calligraphy has played a crucial role in the development of the Arabic language throughout history. Over the centuries, it has contributed to the transmission of Arab culture, customs and religious values, thus creating a sense of pride and belonging among the Arab people.

Today, it remains extremely popular, used by artists and designers in a wide range of media, including paintings, sculptures and graffiti or 'calligraphy'. Visitors to the kingdom can witness early forms of the Arabic language in ancient inscriptions at sites such as UNESCO World Heritage sites AlUla and Hima Najran. Commenting on the announcement, Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, said.

As a symbol of Arab and national identity, Arabic Calligraphy is deeply embedded in Saudi history and in recognition of its cultural significance, the Ministry of Culture has declared 2020 and 2021 as the 'Year of Arabic Calligraphy'. Prince Badr added that "in 2020 and 2021, the Ministry of Culture worked to preserve this important art form through the 'Year of Arabic Calligraphy' initiative, which further strengthened the Kingdom's position as a global centre for Arabic calligraphy and its arts.