President Kais Saied took cognisance on Wednesday of the maquette of the “International Centre for Calligraphy Arts” project, which will be built next to the Chedly Klibi City of Culture.
This project was at heart of the Head of the State’s meeting with Culture Affairs Minister Hayet Ketat Guermazi.
The minister presented the project which will be achieved on an area of almost 2 hectares. Artistic residencies will be offered to artists from all over the world interested in Arabic calligraphy, she said.
Saied pointed out the importance of this International Centre for Calligraphy Arts, whose architecture will be inspired from the shape of the Arabic word “Ikraa” (read).
This project will “contribute to the preservation of Arab calligraphy and heritage and enhance the Arab culture’s opening to the world”, Saied indicated, specifying that the various components of the centre, including “exhibitions, workshops, libraries and the museum, will help promote cultural tourism.”
He further underlined the importance of the Culture Affairs Ministry as “one of the sovereignty sectors given its role in preserving society against all forms of obscurantism.”
“There will be no future without a national culture that would help refine tastes, encourage thinking and prevent all forms of extremism,” he said.
The meeting offered the occasion, to discuss the rich national cultural scene, with its creators and artists in sectors such as literature, theatre and poetry, recalling in this regard the contribution of the Taht Essour group, created in the 1930s, as a good example of this richness.
“Freedom is the cornerstone of creation,” the Head of the State said, indicating that “Tunisia’s prestigious culture will help the International Centre for Calligraphy Arts establish the country as a privileged destination.”

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse (TAP)