The Brunei Darussalam International Islamic Calligraphy Festival 2024 (BDIICF 2024) was officially launched on Wednesday at the International Convention Centre, Berakas. His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Malik, Chairman of the Committee of Governors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, graced the event and delivered the keynote address.
In a sabda, His Royal Highness highlighted the profound cultural and historical importance of Islamic calligraphy, noting its deep-rooted connection with Islamic civilisation. His Royal Highness also stressed the need to preserve Jawi script, a key component of Islamic heritage, particularly among the younger generation. His Royal Highness acknowledged the pivotal role played by the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah’s Islamic Arts and Calligraphy Studies Centre in promoting this art form and ensuring its continuity in Brunei.
The inaugural festival, the first of its kind in Brunei, is a collaborative effort between Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, Universiti Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA), Kolej Universiti Perguruan Ugama Seri Begawan (KUPU SB), and the Islamic Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) based in Türkiye. Themed “Empowerment of Islamic Arts Calligraphy,” the event seeks to raise awareness of the significance of Islamic calligraphy and to promote Islamic art within the region.
Professor Mahmud Erol Kılıç, Director General of IRCICA, praised the cultural partnership between Brunei and IRCICA, commending their shared commitment to promoting Islamic calligraphy.
A major highlight of the festival was a regional calligraphy competition, which attracted 114 submissions from 12 Asian countries, including Japan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan. His Royal Highness presented awards to the top participants in four categories: Thuluth, Nasakh, Diwani, and Diwani Jali.
In the Khat Thuluth category, the winners were:
- First Place: Hafize Sunduvag Namazireihanloo (Türkiye), receiving USD1,500, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Second Place: Rivi Pratama Putra (Indonesia), awarded USD1,000, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Third Place: Huda Purnawadi (Indonesia), receiving USD750, a certificate, and a plaque.
For the Khat Nasakh category:
- First Place: Mohammad Mustofa (Indonesia), awarded USD1,500, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Second Place: Nafang Permadi Mulyani Utama (Indonesia), receiving USD1,000, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Third Place: Achmad Jalaludin (Indonesia), awarded USD750, a certificate, and a plaque.
In the Khat Diwani category:
- First Place: Mohammad Abdul Ghoffar (Indonesia), receiving USD1,500, a certificate, and a plaque.
In the Khat Diwani Jali category:
- First Place: Nafang Permadi Mulyani Utama (Indonesia), awarded USD1,500, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Second Place: Mohammad Abdul Ghoffar (Indonesia), receiving USD1,000, a certificate, and a plaque.
- Third Place: Ikhsanudin (Indonesia), awarded USD750, a certificate, and a plaque.
Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister of Defence, Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Awang Haji Halbi bin Haji Mohd Yussof, in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, in his speech, underscored the role of Islamic calligraphy in preserving Islamic traditions and its potential to promote the beauty of Islamic art globally. He highlighted the festival’s success in bringing together local and international calligraphers to celebrate this unique art form and foster cultural exchange.
Over the course of the three-day festival, workshops and expert presentations will offer participants opportunities to deepen their understanding of Islamic calligraphy. The event concluded with a group photo featuring His Royal Highness, the organising committee, jury members, and participants.
The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting Islamic arts in Brunei and is expected to inspire the next generation of artists and calligraphers. – FADLEY FAISAL
