Traditional handicrafts, with their authentic charm and intricate decorations, were a main element in the celebrations of the 95th Saudi National Day, linking the glorious past with the bright present and showcasing the Kingdom’s rich cultural identity to thousands of visitors.
Coinciding with the declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Handicrafts,” the presence of these heritage arts gained special importance this year, as dedicated prominent corners for them were set up in a number of vital locations, witnessing significant public turnout, especially in the “Pottery Making” and “Arabic Calligraphy” corners.
The 95th Saudi National Day
The presence was not limited to observation only; the corners turned into live interactive workshops. Visitors were given the opportunity to try shaping clay and making pottery themselves.
Meanwhile, the Arabic calligraphy corner attracted those interested in the aesthetics of crafts, where calligraphers wrote visitors’ names and national phrases in authentic Arabic scripts such as Naskh, Thuluth, and Diwani.
Saudi Handicrafts
A number of visitors and participants expressed their appreciation for this gesture, confirming that including handicrafts in national occasions enhances the values of belonging and pride in Saudi heritage, and represents a living cultural extension that tells the story of the Kingdom’s history to new generations.
It was clarified that this interest comes in support of the state’s directions to preserve heritage and enhance its presence, considering handicrafts an integral part of the local cultural legacy, which aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 aimed at developing the cultural sector and highlighting its treasures.
Pottery Making
Pottery making is one of humanity’s oldest and most widespread crafts, with evidence of its practice dating back over 20,000 years. It involves forming objects from clay and hardening them with heat, a process that was crucial for creating storage containers, cookware, and ceremonial items in ancient societies. This craft has evolved from essential handmade utilitarian ware to a highly sophisticated art form, reflecting the technological and artistic developments of cultures across the globe.
Arabic Calligraphy
Arabic calligraphy is the artistic practice of handwriting based on the Arabic alphabet, revered in Islamic culture for its role in transcribing the Qur’an. It evolved over centuries into a major art form, with distinct styles like Kufic and Naskh developing across the Islamic world. More than just writing, it is a profound spiritual expression that transforms text into intricate, harmonious visual art.
Naskh
Naskh is not a physical place but a calligraphic style in Arabic script. It emerged around the 10th century and became the most widely used script for copying the Qur’an due to its exceptional legibility. Its clarity and elegance also made it the standard for printing and typography in the Arab world.
Thuluth
“Thuluth” is not a place or cultural site, but a major script style in Islamic calligraphy. It is known for its elegant, cursive letters and is one of the oldest and most important scripts, historically used for ornamental purposes like mosque inscriptions and chapter headings in the Quran. Its development is credited to the calligrapher Ibn Muqla in the 10th century in Baghdad.
Diwani
I am unable to provide a summary for “Diwani” as the term does not refer to a specific, well-known place or cultural site. Diwani is primarily known as a cursive style of Arabic calligraphy developed in the Ottoman era. It was historically used for official documents and royal decrees in the Ottoman court.
Saudi Vision 2030
Saudi Vision 2030 is a strategic framework launched in 2016 to reduce Saudi Arabia’s dependence on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The vision is built around three main themes: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. It represents a historic transformation for the Kingdom, aiming to unlock new potential and position the country for long-term success.
