The UAE and the art of fortifying culture during the pandemic
24 Feb 2021
Muhammad Yusuf,
Features Writer
Three events have occurred, which reflect the never say die spirit of the cultural effort of the Emirates. First, collections of Sharjah Calligraphy Museum have been updated in commemoration of the International Mother Language Day (Feb. 21). Five new works of art or Hilyas (Arabic for “ornament”) which refers to a genre of Ottoman Turkish literature, have been placed on display as part of the museum’s collection.
Hilyas by Islamic calligraphers embody the physical appearance and moral, behavioural and spiritual qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). New pieces on display include the second largest Hilya in the Islamic world (300cm x 230cm), where calligraphist Zeyad Al-Muhandis has used different types of Arabic fonts to create his masterpiece.