Our thematic selections : Arabic language & calligraphy

Arabic is one of the five most widely spoken languages in the world.

A unified language in its scholarly register-classical Arabic-there is a wide range of spoken forms of Arabic. But even dialectal Arabic enables Arabic speakers across countries and continents to understand one another almost immediately.

Calligraphy is the art of sublimating the written word, making the coherence and beauty of Arabic script indissociable. This fully codified discipline, whether religious or secular, instils everything-manuscripts, architecture, and even everyday objects-with refined aesthetics.

This art, which is essentially non-figurative, can also create, thanks to the arrangement of Arabic letters, figurative motifs with a subtle beauty.

Calligraphy is a living tradition. Practised by contemporary artists, it continues to highlight the beauty of arabic script.

This selection is just a taste of the AWI's rich heritage.

You can find out more about these subjects by exploring this portal or by visiting the Institute