Calligrapher Yousha al- Khidr: The Arabic letter is a shining icon in our civilization

Homs, ST- “Arabic calligraphy is one of the components of our identity and the most wonderful embodiment of our heritage”, the calligrapher Yousha al-Khidr said about his vision concerning   this art, which he studied from childhood to become his great ambition.

Al-Khidr told SANA that he was influenced by his father, who was a professional calligrapher, so he studied the principles, forms and philosophy of this interesting art.

Al-Khidr carried out deep studies in this art and succeeded in opening institutes in the city of Homs and its countryside, in which dozens of calligraphers of various ages and groups are trained. Those trainees are attracted by this type of art because it is the identity of a homeland and a bright icon in our Arab civilization.

On the reality of calligraphers in Syria, Al-Khidr noted that his students were able to get the first three encouragement prizes during the last four years of competitions of the Ministry of Culture.

And about a question  whether technology and automated printing contributed to the reluctance of  learning  the calligraphy, Al-Khidr answered  that technology did not affect calligraphy, but it is  rather a reason for its modernization, stressing that the computer is nothing more than  a machine , but the artist draws a painting ,through it, he  can  express his  feelings .

On the importance of Arabic calligraphy as a cultural heritage that represents our identity, Al-Khidr explained that the heavenly books and thousands of historical and cultural manuscripts which were preserved in history were written in this calligraphy that continued to inspire artists throughout the world, including Picasso.

Al-Khidr pointed out   the importance of the Arabic calligraphy exhibitions held by the Ministry of Culture in cooperation with the creative persons specialized in this field to shed light on this fine art.  Arabic calligraphy represents the spirit of our alphabet, Al-Khidr added considering that it is an art that will remain through generations thanks to a group of interested people who paid attention to it to enrich our Arab culture and preserve our language.

M.Wassouf