The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) held the fourth scientific lecture in its “Calligraphy and Manuscripts in the Islamic World” lecture series, titled “Civilizational Philosophy of Arabic Calligraphy.” The lecture was delivered by Ambassador Khalid Fathalrahman, Head of ICESCO’s Center for Civilizational Dialogue, with the participation of several specialists, experts, and university professors.

The lecture, which was held on Thursday, 23 July 2026, both in person at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat and via videoconference, opened with introductory remarks by Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, ICESCO Deputy Director-General. In his remarks, he shared personal reflections on the wisdom embodied in calligraphy within the heritage of Arab and Islamic civilization. He noted that, in the tradition of Irfani wisdom among Muslims, calligraphy exists only through movement: the dot, which symbolizes origin and unity, gives rise to the line when it moves. In this profound conception, the line becomes an image of the transition from the unseen realm to the visible world.

In his lecture, Ambassador Fathalrahman highlighted the three sets of values underpinning the civilizational philosophy of Arabic calligraphy. The first consists of aesthetic values, including clarity, diversity, flexibility, and harmony. The second encompasses human values, namely freedom, dignity, and openness. The third comprises spiritual values, which regard calligraphy, in its essence, as a spiritual geometry manifested through a physical instrument.

The lecture concluded with a discussion session moderated by Dr. Ahmed Abdelbaset, Expert at ICESCO’s Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts. The session featured contributions from Dr. Mohamed Zinelabidine, Head of ICESCO’s Culture Sector; Dr. Idham Hanash, Director of the Center for Calligraphy and Manuscripts; and Dr. Ahmed Said Ould Bah, Adviser to the ICESCO Director-General.