Latest news with #Al-Awwal
Arab News
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Calligraphy captivates Arabic speakers, non-speakers alike, say enthusiasts
RIYADH: Arabic calligraphy occupies a global artistic status that captivates Arabic speakers and non-speakers alike, enthusiasts have told Arab News. The Ministry of Culture last week introduced two fonts based on Arabic calligraphy that are intended to be used by individuals and organizations in formal settings and for artistic works: Al-Awwal and Saudi. Abdulrahman Al-Shahed, a founding member of the Saudi Arabic Calligraphy Association, told Arab News that the introduction of the fonts was 'a welcome step that contributes to renewing the presence of Arabic calligraphy in digital and contemporary contexts, without separating it from its spiritual and aesthetic roots.' He described the introduction of the fonts as 'a call to rediscover calligraphy as a living identity.' Arabic calligraphy 'amazes viewers with its abstract beauty and contemplative spirit,' Al-Shahed said. He noted that 'many non-Arabs don't read the letters, but they feel them and their beauty,' adding that Arabic calligraphy was consequently a universal visual language. It has been evolving for more than 1,400 years, and each generation adds its own influence to the artform, expressing its own spirit and time, he said. Abdul Adeem Al-Shali, a member of the Fine Arts Group in Qatif, told Arab News that 'there is a growing interest among a large segment of non-Arabic speakers in the Arabic language and its letters and words.' He added: 'This interest demonstrates the magic of the Arabic letter and its appeal to the eye of the average recipient, let alone someone with artistic awareness.' Many foreigners have masterfully drawn calligraphy. The American calligrapher Mohamed Zakariya, who converted to Islam and learned calligraphy in Istanbul, gained widespread fame, for example. He held numerous calligraphy exhibitions in America and other Western countries, receiving praise from those interested in the art, said Al-Shali. The arts enthusiast is optimistic about the future of Arabic calligraphy and urged those in charge of art colleges, calligraphy institutes, and Arabic language colleges at universities to 'preserve this great heritage and teach it to current generations with great care.' Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the minister of culture, said that the new typefaces were a tribute to the Kingdom's rich cultural and artistic heritage, his ministry adding that they were based on historic 'inscriptions and Qur'anic manuscripts.' The design of Al-Awwal highlights the spirit of calligraphy in ancient inscriptions in the Arabian Peninsula. The Saudi takes into account the artistic principles of the Al-Awwal script and makes it more contemporary. A group of local and international experts was responsible for their design, with support from the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, and the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy Initiative. Arabic calligraphy originated in the Arabian Peninsula and was influenced by the cultural and political conditions in the region and ancient rock art from pre-Islamic civilizations and languages. It spread with the migration of Arabs during the Islamic expansion. The new typefaces 'reflect the historical depth of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered the cradle of ancient human civilizations and the home of various calligraphy and inscriptions, ranging from Musnad, Nabataean, and Thamudic,' the Ministry of Culture said, referencing some of the ancient civilizations from the peninsula.
Leaders
17-04-2025
- General
- Leaders
Ministry of Culture Launches 2 New Arabic Typefaces—Al-Awwal, Saud
The Ministry of Culture has officially introduced two new Arabic typefaces—Al-Awwal and Saudi—designed to celebrate and preserve the Kingdom's rich cultural heritage. These typefaces are now available for individuals and organizations to use across formal, artistic, creative, and design projects. Al-Awwal and Saudi draw Developed with a deep appreciation for the artistic beauty of Arabic script, Al-Awwal and Saudi draw from early calligraphic traditions while embracing contemporary design sensibilities. Al-Awwal reinterprets handwriting styles from the first Hijri century, integrating modern calligraphic techniques to reflect the origins of Arabic script. It serves as a bridge to the past, reviving the spirit of early inscriptions through a thoughtful, modern lens. Saudi, while influenced by Al-Awwal, showcases a distinct creative flair. Additionally, it maintains historical aesthetics while pushing the boundaries of modern Arabic typography, capturing the essence of Saudi cultural identity in every curve and stroke. Commenting on the launch, Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said: 'The Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces pay homage to the Kingdom's vast cultural and artistic heritage. These designs connect the past with the present, blending traditional influences with modern design to inspire creativity and honor our legacy.' The creation of these typefaces was rooted in historical research and inspired by archaeological scripts and ancient Arabic writing styles. Their development brought together disciplines including manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design, and digital programming. Moreover, the result is a refined typographic system that enhances the visual rhythm of Arabic text—balancing proportions, spacing, diacritics, and stylistic nuance. Finally, the Ministry of Culture continues its commitment to cultural preservation through innovation, offering a powerful visual expression of Saudi Arabia's identity. Download the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces here: Related Topics : Saudi Arabia Clinch Vital Win Over China in World Cup Qualifiers Preview: Saudi Arabia Host China in High-Stakes World Cup Qualifier Showdown US Must End Complicity in Israel's Gaza Atrocities: Sen. Bernie Sanders Preview: Al Nassr Seek Extending Winning Run over Al Ahli Short link : Post Views: 95
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by Saudi Heritage
The Ministry of Culture announced the launch of two new typefaces, the Al-Awwal and the Saudi. Both typefaces, which celebrate the Kingdom's culture, will be available to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in formal, design, artistic and creative works, according to SPA. The Ministry of Culture worked to implement the Al-Awwal and the Saudi typefaces, inspired by using the distinctive artistic features of Arabic script, to preserve the characteristics of early calligraphy and inscriptions. Al-Awwal is a thoughtful reimagining of a handwriting style that takes many of its cues from the inscriptions of the first Hijri century. The Al-Awwal typeface integrates modern calligraphy techniques to closely emulate the letter forms in the early stages of development, connecting the present with the origins, foundations and early history of the region. The Saudi typeface is partly inspired by Al-Awwal and embodies creative ingenuity whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the Kingdom's historical heritage. Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said: "The launch of the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces is a tribute to the Kingdom's vast cultural and aesthetic heritage. Each typeface serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging traditional elements with contemporary design principles. This harmonious blend not only honors the Kingdom's legacy but also inspires innovation.' The development of the two typefaces began with a historical foundation and archaeological elements, representing the ancient Arabic writings, and reflecting the style of ancient scripts. Both typeface designs are based on creative thinking and interdisciplinary integration among manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design and digital programming. Designed to celebrate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, these typefaces enhance aesthetic proportions and spacing between letters, words, lines, dots and diacritics.
Saudi Gazette
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Ministry of Culture unveils new typefaces as testaments to legacy of Saudi culture and heritage
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Ministry of Culture announced on Wednesday the launch of two new typefaces — the Al-Awwal and the Saudi. Both typefaces, which celebrate the Kingdom's culture, will be available to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in formal, design, artistic and creative works. The new typefaces, developed by the Ministry of Culture and inspired by ancient inscriptions, are designed for everyone to use and explore. Al-Awwal connects deep roots of Saudi culture to the vibrant present, inspired by the earliest Arabic scripts and is a testament to the Saudi cultural legacy. The Ministry of Culture worked to implement the Al-Awwal and the Saudi typefaces, inspired by using the distinctive artistic features of Arabic script, to preserve the characteristics of early calligraphy and inscriptions. Al-Awwal is a thoughtful reimagining of a handwriting style that takes many of its cues from the inscriptions of the first Hijri century. The Al-Awwal typeface integrates modern calligraphy techniques to closely emulate the letter forms in the early stages of development, connecting the present with the origins, foundations and early history of the region. The Saudi typeface is partly inspired by Al-Awwal and embodies creative ingenuity whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the Kingdom's historical heritage. Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah said: "The launch of the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces is a tribute to the Kingdom's vast cultural and aesthetic heritage. Each typeface serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging traditional elements with contemporary design principles. This harmonious blend not only honors the Kingdom's legacy but also inspires innovation.' The development of the two typefaces began with a historical foundation and archaeological elements, representing the ancient Arabic writings, and reflecting the style of ancient scripts. Both typeface designs are based on creative thinking and interdisciplinary integration among manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design and digital programming. Designed to celebrate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, these typefaces enhance aesthetic proportions and spacing between letters, words, lines, dots and diacritics. By integrating historical foundations with innovative design elements, the Ministry of Culture's introduction of the new typefaces not only preserves but also reinvigorates a vital aspect of Saudi Arabia's heritage. The meticulous effort put into creating these typefaces manifests an ideal equilibrium between tradition and modernity, offering a notable tribute to the Kingdom's cultural legacy.
Asharq Al-Awsat
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Ministry of Culture Unveils New Typefaces Inspired by the Kingdom's Heritage
The Ministry of Culture announced the launch of two new typefaces, the Al-Awwal and the Saudi. Both typefaces, which celebrate the Kingdom's culture, will be available to individuals and organizations wishing to use them in formal, design, artistic and creative works, according to SPA. The Ministry of Culture worked to implement the Al-Awwal and the Saudi typefaces, inspired by using the distinctive artistic features of Arabic script, to preserve the characteristics of early calligraphy and inscriptions. Al-Awwal is a thoughtful reimagining of a handwriting style that takes many of its cues from the inscriptions of the first Hijri century. The Al-Awwal typeface integrates modern calligraphy techniques to closely emulate the letter forms in the early stages of development, connecting the present with the origins, foundations and early history of the region. The Saudi typeface is partly inspired by Al-Awwal and embodies creative ingenuity whilst maintaining the aesthetic of the Kingdom's historical heritage. Minister of Culture Prince Bader bin Abdullah bin Farhan said: "The launch of the Al-Awwal and Saudi typefaces is a tribute to the Kingdom's vast cultural and aesthetic heritage. Each typeface serves as a bridge between the past and the present, merging traditional elements with contemporary design principles. This harmonious blend not only honors the Kingdom's legacy but also inspires innovation.' The development of the two typefaces began with a historical foundation and archaeological elements, representing the ancient Arabic writings, and reflecting the style of ancient scripts. Both typeface designs are based on creative thinking and interdisciplinary integration among manuscript studies, art history, linguistics, design and digital programming. Designed to celebrate the beauty of Arabic calligraphy, these typefaces enhance aesthetic proportions and spacing between letters, words, lines, dots and diacritics.
