ISITA hosts Mauritanian calligrapher Mohameden Ahmedou
From October 16 through 19, ISITA will host master calligrapher Mohameden Ahmedou. A self-taught calligrapher and Arabic manuscript researcher based in Noukachott, Mauritania, Ahmedou also helps to oversee his family’s distinctive collection of manuscripts—the Library of Muhammadin ‘Abd as-Samad—in Trarza, Mauritania. He has completed several decorated copies of the Holy Qur’an, including the Mauritanian Mushaf (the first Mauritanian printed copy of Qur’an), with a cover and extensive decorations inventively adapted from Mauritania wall art. Ahmedou designed the calligraphic image featured on ISITA's website.
Committed to reviving the calligraphic traditions of West Africa, Ahmedou and other calligraphers have created a Mauritanian Association of Arabic Calligraphy and Ornamentation and are establishing an institute for these arts—the first of its kind in Mauritania.
Schedule of EventsWednesday, October 18 from 12-1 pm
Talk: Calligraphy and Manuscripts in "Bilad Shinqit" (Mauritania): From the Origins to the Late 20th Century
View the talk details here.
Thursday, October 19 from 4-5:30 pm
An Introduction to Arabic Calligraphy: A Hands-On Workshop
View the workshop details here
Come try your hand at Arabic calligraphy. No knowledge of the Arabic alphabet is required. The workshop is free and all materials are provided.
The workshop is limited to 15 participants. Pre-registration is required!
To register, send an email to isita@northwestern.edu including your full name and Northwestern affiliation (student, faculty, staff). Priority will be given to Northwestern community members.