The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy was inaugurated in the city
Under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Madinah witnessed a significant cultural event with the inauguration of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Global Center for Arabic Calligraphy. Representing His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Madinah Region, attended the opening ceremony, along with His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, and a distinguished gathering of intellectuals and those interested in Islamic arts.
A global beacon in the cradle of Islam
This opening reinforces Medina's status not only as a religious capital but also as a historical cradle of Arabic calligraphy. It was from this land that the first revelations were recorded, and from here that the Qur'ans that have been preserved throughout the ages were written. The center represents a strategic transformation of the former "Dar Al-Qalam," becoming a comprehensive global platform aimed at protecting Arabic calligraphy from extinction and enhancing its presence in international forums as an icon of Arab and Islamic identity.
During the tour, His Royal Highness the Prince of Madinah Region was briefed on the center's state-of-the-art facilities, designed to foster a creative environment. The tour included a visit to the art galleries, which feature rare artifacts and paintings reflecting the evolution of various calligraphic schools. He also received a detailed explanation of the awards and achievements the center has garnered even before its official opening, demonstrating the diligent work that preceded the inauguration.
A comprehensive strategy to promote cultural identity
In his speech at the ceremony, His Highness Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, Minister of Culture, affirmed that the center embodies the vision of the wise leadership in preserving cultural heritage. He pointed out that the center is not merely a museum for display, but a living institution based on five key strategic pillars that ensure its sustainability and impact:
- Knowledge and development: through the establishment of a specialized research and archiving unit to preserve the history of Arabic calligraphy.
- Skills development: through educational and training programs to refine the talents of emerging and professional calligraphers.
- Community engagement: To connect the community with this ancient art.
- Business and opportunities: Through a business incubator that supports projects related to Arabic calligraphy.
- Innovation: To integrate Arabic calligraphy into modern arts and contemporary designs.
Supporting the Arabic calligraphy file at UNESCO
This center holds particular international significance, aligning with the successful efforts led by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to inscribe Arabic calligraphy on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The center is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting this global achievement by hosting traveling exhibitions and establishing the International Association of Arabic Calligraphy, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s soft power and highlighting its leading role in serving Arab culture.
The center targets diverse segments including calligraphers, visual artists, and academic researchers, to be a bridge linking the authenticity of the past with the technologies of the future, and to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places culture as one of the pillars of quality of life and economic diversification.
