Emblem Of A Civilization: Prologue To The Art Of Arabic/Islamic Calligraphy

Join ISAC for a special Sunday lecture as Master Calligrapher, Nihad Dukhan explores the history, development, techniques and styles of the art of Arabic calligraphy. Dukhan will also touch on the philosophical aspect of the art form, and its intimate relationship to Qur’anic writing before embarking on an aesthetic appreciation of its intricate geometry, rhythm, and visual impact.

Dukhan will present on the techniques for Arabic calligraphy writing, including the tools to cut and trim the reed pen, the ink, the inkwell with natural-silk leeqa and the carefully-prepared classical Arabic calligraphy (muqahhar) paper. The extraordinary master-pupil relationship in teaching/learning the art, as well as the calligraphic Ijazah, are both highlighted.

The presentation includes numerous examples of different styles of calligraphy from diverse periods and geographical regions.

This lecture is co-sponsored by the Department of Music, ISAC, The Middle East Music Ensemble, the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and the Old Town School of Folk Music.