Calligraphy is the art of the Arabs. That is not an accident of history, but a direct consequence of the arrival of Islam. Pagan Arabs had long drawn images of worshiped deities, but with their conversion to Islam came a prohibition on any depictions of God or the Prophet.

Early Muslims instead turned the word of God into art. The Qur’an became the inspiration. Thus was born calligraphy: the beautiful drawing of words.

Many nations have produced great painters of nature, but only the Arab nation had produced such a illuminating depiction of words.

There are many calligraphy styles, but I am not here to provide a history of calligraphy, but, rather, to bring to knowledge one of the great contemporary practitioners of the art: Syria’s Khaled al Saai

Born in 1970s Homs, Syria, Saai’s had a cultured upbringing with a childhood exposed to art, music and, naturally, calligraphy.

He picked up the pen early in life and by the time he enrolled at the University of Damascus had a reputation as a skilled calligrapher. He graduated in 1995 with a B.A. in Fine Arts and was awarded a honorary M.A. two years later. In 1998, he received a certificate in calligraphy from the IRCICA, the research center for Islamic History Arts and Culture in Istanbul, Turkey.

Saai did not stay in Damascus, but started to tour the world to showcase his art. At the first annual International Festival of Calligraphy held in Tehran, he was selected as one of the top ten calligraphers.

His distinction there was matched with another award in Rome at the Biennial of the Young Artist in 1999 and a year after that in Oberani, France, at the Festival of Music, Poetry and Calligraphy. His craft has been recognized at numerous other international events.

He has been showcased in many exhibitions including the Institute de Monde Arab in Paris. And the British Museum, UK, the San Pedro Museum of Arts, Mexico, the Denver Museum of Arts, Collorado, USA and the Museum of Calligraphy, Sharjah, UAE, are all home to permanent exhibits.

All this and he has yet to turn 40 inshallah. Khaled al Saai is clearly distinguished, so what is all the fuss about:

Mr. Saai live in Sharjah, UAE.