Arabic calligraphy, declared a form of intangible world heritage by Unesco last year, will be the focus of a series of activities held at Casa Árabe to celebrate International Arabic Language Day, a yearly celebration every December 18.

These activities include a course with calligrapher Pablo Casado, on the weekend of December 16 to 18: a new edition of the course on Arabic calligraphy in the thuluth style, given for both beginners and those who already have some knowledge of the subject. Throughout the 12 hours that the course lasts, participants will learn more and delve deeper into the art of Arabic calligraphy, including its forms in this style. In addition to learning about the proportions of the letters and rules to be followed, they will learn how to join the letters together and the steps to take in order to produce a final calligraphy work.

The thuluth (or “sülüs” in Turkish) style is one of the main classical styles of Arabic writing. Famous for being an elegant cursive calligraphy, with wavy, oblique lines, in this style one-third of each letter is inclined (which is why its name in Arabic means “one-third”), and it was the calligraphy used in the Middle Ages in mosque decorations.

The course, which will be taught in Spanish, is open to all types of people, because because it is not necessary to possess any prior knowledge of the Arabic language or any past practice in calligraphy. It is intended for people who want to delve into the study of Arabic calligraphy for the first time, as well as those who have already completed the initial course. With those initiated, the teacher will work individually, to help them move forward with their knowledge of this style.
Introduction to traditional teaching methods, both Turkish and Arab
Introduction to the use of materials and learning how to use them properly
Introduction to the letters and their forms, using practical calligraphy exercises
Introduction to the different ways of joining letters
Preparation of a final piece or work in accordance with classical models
The materials needed for the workshop (calligraphy, ink and paper) are included in the course, and participants will be able to keep them after the workshop is over.

Pablo Casado
Born in Madrid in 1982, the city where he grew up and received his academic training, he always felt a special attraction towards the forms of Arabic calligraphy, but it was not until the year of 2008 that he was able to come into contact with the calligraphic pen for the first time, having attended a brief introductory course on calligraphy in the nesih style. A few days of practice were enough to arouse a great interest towards this form of art in him, and he soon felt the need to receive as much knowledge as possible from a true master who could teach him each and every one of its finer details.

This is when he met the now highly-acclaimed and acknowledged calligrapher Nuria García, who was to become his mentor and teacher. With her help, he traveled to Istanbul for the first time in the year of 2009, and thanks to her he was able to meet his own masters. That is how he began to complete his first lessons, with their help, and that of master calligrapher (khattat) Davut Bektas, always under the supervision of master Hassan Çelebi. Approximately two years later, he also began to receive lessons from the khattat master Ferhat Kurlu. Along with Nuria García, he would become one of his most influential teachers.  

In 2014, after having fully devoted himself to learning this art, he earned his icazet or calligraphy diploma, in the styles of thuluth and nesih at IRCICA (Center for Research of Islamic History, Art and Culture). In the end, his diploma was signed by master calligraphers Hassan Çelebi, Ferhat Kurlu and Nuria García. At present, he continues to travel to Istanbul regularly and spends long periods of time there so that he will not lose contact with his masters and to be able to continue learning and perfecting this art. Pablo Casado’s website: http://www.sacred-lines.com/