Mahabbat Qalam held its sixth edition in Damascus in January 2026 as part of Arabic Language Week. The festival brought together classical calligraphy, contemporary compositions, illumination, sculptural lettering and reflections on the relationship between writing and architecture.
Exhibition and competition
Thirty calligraphers and visual artists presented fifty-five works at the Abu Rummaneh Cultural Centre. The 2026 edition also launched a competition for young practitioners, designed to identify, encourage and train a new generation.
Arabic lettering as living heritage
Lectures and workshops explored the history and rules of Arabic scripts, their decorative uses and their capacity to support contemporary visual practice. The festival connected experienced masters, teachers, specialist associations and emerging artists.
An annual event to follow
The sixth edition continued through the week following its opening on 4 January. Information about the next edition should be checked with the House of Arabic Calligraphy Association and the Damascus Directorate of Culture.