Khatt: Documenting Egypt's Calligraphic Landscape

'Khatt: Egypt's Calligraphic Landscape' explores the widespread use of Arabic script throughout Egypt, highlighting everything from hand-painted signs and advertisements to the embellishments on trucks and taxis. Edited by Basma Hamdy and featuring photography by Noha Zayed, this 160-page publication showcases a variety of khatt styles, including both modern and traditional forms. Released by Saqi Books in 2016, the book opens with a foreword by Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, who stresses the importance of preserving this visual heritage amid the threats posed by digitization and advanced printing methods. It includes interviews with artists such as the Eleiwa collective, graphic designer Ahmed Hammoud, and el Seed, known for his impactful work 'Perception.' An essay by curator Mohamed Elshahed is also featured, and Zayed's photography is noted for its focus on the human aspect. The book aspires to safeguard and celebrate Egypt's vibrant visual culture for future generations.