The Sharjah Calligraphy Museum invites everyone to view The Noble Hilya, a captivating exhibition which delves into the journey of the ancient hilya art form. The show will be open to the public until the 18th of August, 2024.
Originating in Ottoman Turkey in the 17th century, hilya art portrays the physical appearance and the moral, behavioural, and spiritual qualities of Prophet Muhammad. These artworks were believed to serve as talismans, protecting homes or individuals from misfortune and evil spirits. It was renowned calligrapher Hafiz Othman who created the first hilyas and established the standard layout for the hilya panel. His work set a benchmark in Islamic calligraphy and inspired many calligraphers across the Islamic world to follow in his footsteps while maintaining the foundational essence of hilya art form.
The exhibition presents hilya works by prominent calligraphers. Visitors can have a look at stunning panels in traditional Naskh, Thuluth, and Muhaqqaq scripts produced by Mohammad Al Nuri (Iraq), Abdulnasser Al Masri (Syria), Abbas Al-Baghdadi (Iraq), and Ayman Mohammad. Each piece preserves the essence of the Noble Hilya while reflecting the unique mastery of its creator.
About the Sharjah Calligraphy Museum
This institution, which was established in 2002, is the first museum solely dedicated to calligraphy in the region. Located within the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, it allows one to admire a plethora of diverse Arabic calligraphic works from different historical periods, scripts, and styles, while exploring the evolution of calligraphy.
The museum’s collection comprises four sections. The first one, Historical Calligraphy: Foundations and Customs, is devoted to early calligraphy and its origins in the Arabian Peninsula. The second section, Islamic Calligraphy’s Golden Era, transports visitors to a period when calligraphy reached unparalleled levels of complexity and variety, exhibiting exquisite examples from this era. The third section, Area-Specific Styles: A Multifaceted Tapestry, features multiple scripts showcasing the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Islamic world. The last section, Modern Expressions: Exceeding Limits, demonstrates how calligraphy continues to evolve through a collection of contemporary pieces.
In addition to its permanent collection, the museum organises exhibitions to promote and preserve the ancient art of calligraphy. It also holds workshops and conferences; adjacent to the museum, there are studios of calligraphers.
To get more information about the Noble Hilya exhibition, please visit its official web page.
Additionally, you might be interested in attending Reflections and Inspirations from Emirati Heritage, which is on display at the Sharjah Heritage Museum.
