Arabic calligraphy is the most highly regarded element of Islamic art, as it is the language of Qur’an. The script has the potential for creating ornamental forms
Today, the art of Arabic calligraphy continues
For #Ramadan a thread on 15 artists redefining Arabic calligraphy…
1/ Based in London @ArtofthePen is an internationally renowned classically trained calligrapher. Her work pushes the boundaries of what is expected from this traditional art form. In 2005, Soraya was awarded the sought-after icazetname from Istanbul…
2/ Artist @WissamSh is an expert in Arabic calligraphy. He is largely self-taught, attaining mastery through book research, visits to various masters, museum & library collections. He has developed a signature style, which is referred to as Calligraform…
3/ Artist @MajidAlyousef is a calligrapher & typographer. He has a unique style, merging traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary visual arts. Majid’s work is inspired by abstract painting & sculpture, especially cubism, futurism & de stijl…
4/ Artist @elseed uses his distinctive style of Arabic calligraphy merged with graffiti, to spread messages of peace, & highlight the commonalities of human existence.
His calligraffiti is a tool for unifying communities, & can be found over the world…
6/ Artist @zahragulraizart uses Arabic Calligraphy in her own bold and distinctive style to spread positive energy into people’s surroundings. Along with her striking use of colours, she focuses around quotes that uplift and inspire…
7/ Lebanese Artist Ghaleb Hawila is fascinated by the endless possibilities of Arabic calligraphy, which he approaches with a new eye. Ghaleb’s work comes from a deep understanding of Middle-Eastern heritage and spiritual paths…
8/ Pouran Jinchi’s art is characterized by an innovative play on calligraphy & script. She translates despair and destruction into a beautifully ethereal visual language…
9/ British Muslim artist & brandalism activist @Teakster believes art has the power to unite people, & connects communities by challenging perceptions of space, replacing outdoor advertising with beautiful artwork…
10/ Saudi & Morrocan artist Shaker Kashgari’s work stands out due to his creativity as well as diversity. Whether a canvas with traditional scripture or a word designed in calligraffiti, Shaker has proven it is possible to be a self taught talent…
11/ For artist & calligrapher @Hatem_Arafa_ Arabic calligraphy is a kind of addiction, & practicing drawing each letter gives him unprecedented enjoyment & satisfaction…
12/ UK based artist @handofayesha expresses her love for the written word through her work. She is fascinated by the concept of culture & how this influences art. This has lead her to experiment with modern Arabic, Urdu & Farsi lettering with street art…
13/ Artist Aliya Quraishi is based in Melbourne, Australia. After studying fine art & textiles, she was inspired you to move towards specializing in Islamic art and calligraphy. Her work explores traditional futures…
15/ Born in Tehran, @snasernia began his career primarily as a calligrapher & typography artist. He talks about turning Arabic letters into an abstract language, the concept behind Crazy Kufik & deconstructing the rules of Arabic & Persian writing…
In the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an a chapter is dedicated to the bee, called An-Nahl. This literally translates to ‘The Bee’ & it describes the bee’s way of life, & how Muslims should be more like them.
For #WorldBeeDay we are celebrating the bee in Islam 🐝
A thread…
1/ Al Nahl, Chapter 16, 68-69, talks about a variety of topics, but Allah specifically chose the title The Bee to catch the attention of the readers. Bees are said to be Allah’s miracles; the way they function and how they behave, are to be held as an example #WorldBeeDay
2/ The significance of Al Nahl as Chapter 16 is important. The only verse in this chapter that mentions bees is made up of 16 words & 16 different Arabic letters. Coincidentally, female bees have 16 pairs of chromosomes, whereas males have 16 chromosomes #WorldBeeDay
Cats in Egypt have had a longer history than they have had in almost any other part of the world. Egypt was likely the first place where cats were domesticated 10,000 years ago & are still much loved today
It’s Caturday & to celebrate the weekend, a thread on the cats of Cairo…
1/ Cairo has a long history of caring for cats, which goes all the way back to the origins of the city and is firmly rooted in Egyptian culture, Islamic beliefs and sense of practicality #Caturday
2/ In Islam, cats are considered clean animals & the only animal to allowed to enter the Great Mosque of Mecca. There are many stories in the history books referencing Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) love of cats
A cat sleeping on Aq Sunqur Shrine in the Blue mosque, Cairo
#Caturday
Japan, renowned for its rich cultural heritage & deep historical roots, has gently incorporated Islam into its societal fabric. The story of Islam's introduction to Japan is one of cultural exchange & mutual respect.
A thread on Islam & Mosques in Japan...
1/ Islam made its way to Japan through various channels, including trade, academic exchanges, and diplomatic relations. As early as the 8th century, Japan interacted with Islamic civilizations via trade routes linking it to the Muslim world.
2/ However, it wasn't until the modern era that Islam became more visible in Japan.
Ever wondered who paved the way for the age of algorithms?
It was a 9th-century Muslim genius, mathematician, geographer & astronomer, Abu Abdallah Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi - also known as the Father of Algebra
A thread on the incredible Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi…
1/ Even the term algorithm is Al-Khwarizmi translated into Latin!
The scientist and mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa Al-Khwarizmi lived from 780 to 850 AD in Persia and Iraq.
2/ Al-Khwarizmi's most significant contribution to mathematics was the development of algebra. His book, "Kitab al-Jabr wal-Muqabala" (The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing), introduced systematic methods for solving linear and quadratic equations.
Latinized names of scholars who worked within Islamic culture and wrote mostly in Arabic.
Some are amongst the greatest minds in human history.
A thread…
1/ Ibn Sinã
Latinized
Avicenna
(11th c. CE)
The Muslim world's preeminent philosopher/physician, flourishing during the Islamic Golden Age. His book Qanün ut-Tibb influenced Europe until the 16th c. Of Persian birth but wrote mostly in Arabic.
2/ Ibn Rushd
Latinized
Averroës
(12th c. CE)
Arab Andalusian polymath who wrote on many subjects, including philosophy and medicine. The most influential commentator on Aristotle, he was known in the West as the 'Father of Rationalism.'
Turkey is a treasure trove of architectural wonders, natural beauty & ancient history. The country is at the point where Europe & Asia collide - it is this transcontinental culture-clash that enriches Turkey’s heritage.
A thread on Turkey’s beautiful cities & villages...
1/ Safranbolu A town in the Black Sea region of northern Turkey, once a stop on the trade route between Europe and the Orient. Its Ottoman architecture includes the old Çarşı district, with hundreds of preserved, red-roofed Ottoman houses on cobblestone streets
1.1/ Safranbolu is more of a museum-city, with its cobblestone streets, hill houses & natural beauty evidence of its worthiness of being declared a cultural asset. It was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites due to its well-preserved Ottoman era houses & architecture