Algerian Radio
The Rector of Djamaâ El Djazaïr, Sheikh Mohamed Maâmoune Al-Kacimi Al-Hoceini, presided on Tuesday at the Museum of Islamic Civilization at Djamaâ El Djazaïr over a ceremony dedicated to announcing the results of the "Mohamed Bensaïd Cherifi Prize for Arabic Calligraphy" competition in its first edition, and honoring the top three winners.
First place was awarded to the calligrapher Kacem Bousnane from the wilaya of Ghardaia, while second place went to Adel Maghrebi from the wilaya of Djelfa, and Mohamed Mezrag from the wilaya of M'Sila took third place.
On this occasion, the esteemed Algerian calligrapher Mohamed Bensaïd Cherifi was also honored. He emphasized that this competition "is distinguished by calligraphic displays of the most beautiful Islamic script capable of rendering flawless verses," recalling that "beautiful calligraphy is a pillar that Muslims have cared for since ancient times, providing them the opportunity to excel in this field through calligraphic paintings, teaching it, and decorating their surroundings."
In his speech for the occasion, Sheikh Al-Kacimi stated that "Djamaâ El Djazaïr established this prize in appreciation and recognition of the efforts of Sheikh Mohamed Bensaïd Cherifi in serving the Holy Quran and preserving the Arabic letter," describing him as a "distinguished school in its contributions" that has succeeded in nurturing and innovating within Arabic calligraphy.
For his part, the Director of the Museum of Islamic Civilization at Djamaâ El Djazaïr, Khaled Saber Cherif, highlighted that this ceremony aims to celebrate the icons of authentic Arabic art, which is considered one of the pillars of Islamic civilization. He added that the organization of this first edition, which saw the participation of 35 calligraphers, was intended to "preserve authentic Arabic calligraphy in Algeria, and encourage creators and talented individuals who have carried the torch of this art and are working to develop and revive it."
He pointed out that this competition also aspires to "prepare a generation of calligraphers and researchers capable of carrying the message of Arabic calligraphy with awareness and responsibility," as well as "consolidating its status as a renewed science, art, and civilization."
