Quranic Verses, Arabic Calligraphy, and Maps of Countries in Works of Calligrapher from Mosul
Born in 1965, she currently lives in New Zealand. She specializes in Tughari, Thuluth, and Thuluth Jalli styles of calligraphy.
Jannat loved Arabic calligraphy since childhood and trained under prominent Arab calligraphers. Before the age of 10, she earned multiple certificates in the art of calligraphy, becoming the youngest female calligrapher in the world.
The calligrapher has a unique ability: she can write with both hands at the same time and with equal skill. Jannat also excels in calligraphy of maps of Arab countries and historical monuments in Iraq, and this art is considered a turning point in her professional path.
“My father, may God have mercy on him, was so fond of Arabic calligraphy that our house had become an exhibition of the calligraphy works of many great calligraphers, such as Hamed al-Amadi. So, from childhood, I was influenced by these calligraphy works and loved them, to the point where I would take pen and paper in my hand and imitate them like a painting,” she says.
“My father noticed my love for calligraphy and decided to support this talent by frequently meeting with the great Iraqi calligrapher Yusuf Dhanun. I received many exercises and writings from him in the field of Thuluth and Naskh calligraphy, and I also followed all the cultural activities and exhibitions held in Mosul.”
Jannat stood out from other calligraphers because of her mastery of Thuluth script and her ability to design and execute beautiful calligraphy panels. This made her eligible to receive a calligraphy license from Master Hamed al-Amadi, the leading calligrapher of the time.
She received this license in 1975, when she was no more than 14 years old. In the same year, her father took him to Sayyid Ibrahim, the sheikh of Arab calligraphers in Cairo, and after passing an exam, she received another certificate in calligraphy, which is very important for professional calligraphers.
She believes merely being familiar with calligraphy and its rules is not enough to create outstanding calligraphic works. In her opinion, the composition of lines and the distribution of words and vocabulary in artistic forms can be applied in the visual arts.
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“I learned the most difficult types of calligraphy, namely Thulth Jalli and Tughri, and since my youth, my fingers and eyes have adapted to these very difficult and beautiful calligraphy styles, while I consider Thulth Jalli to be one of the most beautiful Arabic calligraphy styles.”
Jannat expresses her love for the Arab world through her calligraphy paintings, depicting maps of Arab countries with Quranic texts. She chooses a suitable Quranic verse for each country.
Jannat says, “The aim of the Geography of Lines project is a message from me to the Arabs to unite with love for their land and the religion of Islam; I have given each Arab country its own map with my own calligraphy.”
This Iraqi artist wrote on the map of Iraq: “O Lord, I have been afflicted with illness and suffering, and You are the Most Merciful of the Merciful.”
And on the map of Syria, she wrote: “And rewarded them for their patience with Paradise and silk.”
She also wrote on the map of Palestine: “Our Lord, grant us patience and steadfastness, and make our feet firm, and help us defeat the disbelieving people.”
She also wrote on the map of Qatar: “Qatar will remain free with the spirit of the faithful.”
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Jannat Adnan says, “I hope that all Arab countries will be safe and peaceful, and that I will return to my city, Mosul, to rebuild its destroyed mosques and ancient markets and decorate them with my calligraphy. This is my dream and my project for the future.”
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