The 13th International Arabic Calligraphy Festival took place in the city of Al-Madiya, Algeria, from May 12 to 15, gathering calligraphers from across the Islamic world.

Held at the Hassan Al-Hassani Cultural Center, this year’s festival carried the theme “Loyalty, Commitment, and Belonging” and honored the legacy of renowned Algerian calligrapher Abdelhamid Iskandar.

Participants from 20 Algerian provinces and countries including Palestine, Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Turkey, Jordan, Malaysia, Oman, India, Tunisia, Bahrain, China, and Pakistan showcased over 100 works of Arabic calligraphy.

The program featured competitions and workshops on classical styles such as Thuluth, Kufi Mushafi, and Diwani, led by master calligraphers. Attendees also visited key cultural landmarks, including the Great Mosque of Algiers, the National Museum of Fine Arts, and the Madiya Museum of Arts and Folk Traditions.

An annual celebration of Islamic visual heritage, the festival has become a global platform for preserving and promoting the art of Arabic calligraphy. Last year's edition was held under the theme “For Palestine: Victory and Loyalty.”