A journey into the heart of Arab culture through calligraphy, one of the highest artistic and spiritual expressions of the Arab world. During the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Arabic writing, discover the main calligraphic styles, and appreciate the beauty of Arabic letters from a linguistic, cultural, and artistic perspective.

Guided by master calligrapher Amjed Rifaie, originally from Mesopotamia (Iraq), participants will experiment with the traditional handmade bamboo reed pen, learning the gestures and techniques that for centuries have given life to works of great elegance.

Through practical exercises and moments of concentration and meditation, it will be possible to approach an art form that combines creativity, harmony, and self-knowledge, entering into contact with a cultural tradition rich in history and meaning.

No knowledge of the Arabic language is required; the workshop is open to everyone.

At the end of the experience, all participants will receive as a gift their own name written in Arabic calligraphy by the master calligrapher.

The event is part of the Public Program accompanying the exhibition GAZA: the Future Has an Ancient Heart — a rich calendar of talks, workshops, music, theatre, cinema, and editorial presentations that expand upon and deepen the themes explored in the exhibition. The programme also expresses a profound and supportive bond of solidarity through an engaged international and local cultural network.
The public and private institutions involved include: Università per Stranieri di Siena, Salone Internazionale del Libro di Torino, Lettera 22 Roma, Museo Nazionale del Cinema di Torino, Riwaq Center for Architectural Conservation, Fondazione MeNo Palermo, Hawaf Collective Paris/Gaza, Libreria Trebisonda Torino, Associazione Festival delle Colline Torinesi, Museo Archeologico Castromediano Lecce, MAO – Museo d’Arte Orientale Torino, PAV – Parco Arte Vivente Torino, Fondazione Lac o Le Mon San Cesario di Lecce, Tedacà Torino, SeSaMO – Società per gli Studi sul Medio Oriente Torino, Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research, OTO Sound Museum, APS Zenzero – Arci, Vento di Terra ONG.