Uzbekistan Hosts International Qur'an Calligraphy Competition

August 28, 2026
Uzbekistan Hosts International Qur'an Calligraphy Competition

The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan has announced an international calligraphy competition to create a unique copy of the Holy Qur'an, combining the traditions of Arabic writing from around the world.

Global Project for Preserving Islamic Heritage

The initiative is being implemented as part of the International Media Forum "Islamic Civilization: A New Perspective and New Discoveries," taking place in the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent. The competition is part of the project "World of the Qur'an: From the Traditions of Arabic Calligraphy to the Heritage of the Future." Its goal is to create a one-of-a-kind copy of the Holy Qur'an that embodies the most outstanding traditions of Islamic calligraphy, various schools, and writing styles from different countries and cultures. This approach reflects the richness of the art of calligraphy, the diversity of its schools, and its civilizational significance for the entire Islamic world.

Uniting Calligraphy Masters from Around the World

The project invites calligraphers from different corners of the globe to participate in writing the Holy Qur'an. This will allow for the gathering of various schools and styles of Islamic calligraphy under one cover, creating a unified artistic and cultural work. Such collective work will emphasize the historical significance of Arabic writing and its inseparable connection with the Qur'an throughout the centuries. Each participant will contribute to the preservation and development of this ancient art, demonstrating its relevance and universality in the modern world.

Context of the Forum and Cultural Initiatives

The announcement of the competition was made during the activities of the forum, which discusses various cultural and scientific projects related to the Holy Qur'an, manuscripts, and Islamic heritage. The Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan is actively working on the preservation, popularization, and presentation of cultural heritage in modern ways. This forum serves as a platform for knowledge exchange among researchers, scholars, and cultural figures, fostering a deep understanding of Islamic civilization and its contribution to world history.

The Significance of Calligraphy in Islamic Culture

Arabic calligraphy is not just an art of writing; it is a sacred expression of the word of God. For over one and a half thousand years, calligraphers have perfected their craft, creating masterpieces that served not only practical purposes but also spiritual ones. Each style—from Kufic to Naskh, from Diwani to Farsi—carries the history of an entire era and region. The international competition in Uzbekistan recognizes this diversity and aims to create a work that reflects the depth and variety of this ancient tradition, passing it on to future generations as a living heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can participate in the calligraphy competition?

The competition is open to calligraphers from around the world, regardless of their nationality and experience. The project encourages masters of various schools and styles of Islamic calligraphy to showcase their skills and contribute to the creation of a unique copy of the Qur'an.

What is the goal of creating this special copy of the Qur'an?

The goal is to unite the most outstanding traditions of Arabic calligraphy into a single artistic work that reflects the richness and diversity of this art, its historical significance, and its civilizational contribution to Islamic culture.

Where and when is the international competition taking place?

The competition is organized by the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan as part of the International Media Forum taking place in Tashkent. The initiative is being implemented as part of the project "World of the Qur'an: From the Traditions of Arabic Calligraphy to the Heritage of the Future."