In a move aimed at preserving one of the most prominent symbols of Arab and Islamic cultural identity, Al-Azhar has decided to establish the Al-Azhar Institute for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation as part of the specialized education system within the Al-Azhar Institutes Sector. The initiative is part of a comprehensive vision to prepare specialized professionals through a combination of academic study and practical training, helping to revive the arts of Arabic calligraphy and Islamic ornamentation, preserve cultural heritage, and instill their aesthetic values in younger generations. Alongside the announcement, the Al-Azhar Institutes Sector has begun implementing the necessary procedures in preparation for the institute's opening.
Al-Azhar’s Supreme Council, chaired by His Eminence the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, had approved during its session held on July 15, 2026, the establishment of the ‘Al-Azhar Institute for Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation.
The institute aims to revive this authentic Arab art form, preserve Islamic heritage, and strengthen appreciation for the beauty of Arabic calligraphy among new generations.
The standard program of study will last three years, after which students will receive a technical secondary diploma in Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation. Outstanding students will have the opportunity to continue for an additional two years to earn a specialized qualification equivalent to a post-secondary technical diploma.
The institute will admit students who have completed the Al-Azhar preparatory certificate (or its equivalent), provided they pass written and oral entrance examinations as well as a personal interview.
As part of implementing the decision of the Supreme Council of Al-Azhar, and following the directives of Sheikh Ayman Abdel Ghani, Deputy of Al-Azhar, Dr. Ahmed El-Sharkawy, Head of the Al-Azhar Institutes Sector, held the first meeting with sector leaders to oversee implementation of the decision and establish the executive procedures required to launch the institute.
The meeting reviewed the academic regulations, monitored the work of the specialized technical committees responsible for developing the curriculum, finalized the criteria for selecting faculty members, and discussed mechanisms for cooperation with institutions specializing in Arabic calligraphy and Islamic heritage to benefit from their expertise in organizing workshops and training programs for students.
Dr. Ahmed El-Sharkawy confirmed that the Al-Azhar Institutes Sector is working to complete all organizational requirements according to a defined timetable in preparation for announcing the official start date of classes, noting that the relevant departments have been assigned the necessary tasks.
He added that the current plan is to open the first Institute for Arabic Calligraphy and Islamic Ornamentation in Cairo, with gradual expansion through the establishment of additional branches in several governorates across Egypt.
Source: Al-Ahram portal
