Rome, April 2018 – On April 21st at the Italian Geographical Society in collaboration with the Iraqi Embassy in Rome, my colleagues and I organised a one-day workshop on Arabic Calligraphy with Amjed Rifaie. Iraqi from Tikrit, he is a calligrapher based in Rome since almost 10 years.
The workshop took place in the tranquillity of the historical library of the Society located in a XVI century building in the heart of Villa Celimontana, not far from Colosseum.
12 participants attended the workshop on Arabic Calligraphy with Amjed Rifaie. They learnt the history of Arabic calligraphy, the different styles and the basics of the technique. Showing the use of the qalam, Amjed explained how to draw the letters following the rules of this fascinating art and century-old tradition.
The music helped the participants to gain concentration and test theirselves in this difficult practice. During the lunch break they could taste some delicious Arabic recipes by the Iraqi chef Waqar Younus.
