Kaaba Kiswa Calligrapher Wins First Place at Cairo International Arabic Calligraphy Forum

The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
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Kaaba Kiswa Calligrapher Wins First Place at Cairo International Arabic Calligraphy Forum

The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
The kiswa covering the Kaaba in the Holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

Abdulrahman bin Abdullah Al-Maliki, a distinguished calligrapher from the King Abdulaziz Complex for Holy Kaaba Kiswa, has won first place at the Cairo International Forum for the Art of Arabic Calligraphy, receiving the prestigious Authentic Trend Award for Arabic Calligraphy.

Al-Maliki won the award at the forum’s ninth session, where he competed with a group of talented calligraphers from around the world, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Tuesday.

The Cairo International Forum for Arabic Calligraphy honors the significance of Arabic calligraphy as an integral part of Arab and Islamic cultural heritage.

The event celebrates the diversity and creativity of calligraphers, encouraging ongoing development and innovation in this art form.

This year’s competition featured 80 contestants from Arab and international backgrounds, along with renowned calligraphers and honored guests.



Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library Showcases Rare Stamp Collection

The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
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Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz Public Library Showcases Rare Stamp Collection

The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA
The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. SPA

The King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh has revealed a rare collection of postage stamps that chronicle contemporary Saudi history.

The collection spans various national occasions and events, both before and after the founding of the Kingdom.

The library's stamp collection comprises 13,000 stamps, including rare specimens issued during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al Saud. The oldest stamp in the collection dates back to March 1925.

A particularly significant historical stamp commemorates King Abdulaziz's accession to the throne in 1931-1932, preceding the unification of the Kingdom on September 23, 1932. The first stamp bearing the name "Kingdom of Saudi Arabia" was issued in 1934, with several editions printed in various colors.

During King Abdulaziz's reign, stamp collections were issued to mark significant events such as the opening of the railway, visits by Arab and Islamic leaders, and the introduction of airmail services.

This valuable collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical development of Saudi Arabia and its postal system.