The 13th International Calligraphy Competition, one of the most esteemed events dedicated to Islamic classical arts, concluded with an official ceremony hosted by IRCICA in Istanbul on May 28, 2025. The event brought together leading calligraphers, scholars, cultural professionals, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
Organized by IRCICA, the cultural arm of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the competition has evolved into a well-established tradition since its inception in 1986. This year, the event attracted 511 artists from 38 countries, who submitted a total of 640 works across nine different calligraphic styles.
Speaking at the ceremony, IRCICA Director General Prof. Dr. Mahmud Erol Kılıç emphasized the deep-rooted legacy of the competition and its vital role in preserving Islamic aesthetic traditions. “To be awarded by IRCICA or to have trained under its programs is now seen as part of a prestigious artistic lineage,” Kılıç noted. He highlighted the dedication of the jury, who deliberated over submissions during a week-long retreat, ensuring the highest standards of evaluation.
Former OIC Secretary General Prof. Dr. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu, who also addressed the audience, recalled the early days of the competition when calligraphy was at risk of being forgotten. “Forty years ago, Islamic calligraphy was facing a serious decline. Today, thanks to IRCICA, we have revived a living tradition—one that connects generations through art and spirituality,” he remarked.
This year’s competition was held in honor of the esteemed calligrapher Mehmed Abdülaziz er-Rifai, known for both his artistic mastery and his role as a mentor. The jury, composed of distinguished calligraphers from countries including Syria, Iran, Algeria, Morocco, Iraq, and Turkey, evaluated the submissions in categories such as Thuluth, Naskh, Diwani, Kufi, and Ta’liq.
Among the award winners were Meryem Nuruzihalilani from Turkey (1st prize in Jali Thuluth and Muhaqqaq), Ali Irani from Iran (1st prize in Thuluth), Saber Safai from Iran (Kufi), Mounir Tahraoui from Algeria (Naskh), Youssef el-Balki from Morocco (Diwani), and Nafang Utama from Indonesia (Jali Diwani). Cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 were awarded to top-ranking participants, while 30 artists received honorable mentions.
In addition to the awards, the ceremony also featured the traditional ijazah (diploma) presentation, a recognition of mastery in the art of calligraphy. Twenty students who completed IRCICA’s intensive calligraphy training programs were officially granted ijazahs in styles such as Thuluth, Naskh, Riq’a, and Diwani by their mentors.
The celebration continued with the opening of a curated exhibition at the IRCICA Library, featuring award-winning works from the competition. The exhibition offers a rare opportunity for the public to witness the spiritual and artistic depth of Islamic calligraphy and will remain open for visitors until June 4.
