Within the Framework of the Qatar-German Cultural Year 2017, the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Germany, in collaboration with the National Human Rights Committee of Qatar organized ‘’The Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition on Human Rights in Islamic Culture.’’ A large number of officials, German diplomats, foreign missions, human rights and international organizations representatives attended the opening ceremony.

The exhibition runs for 3 days and include 21 paintings with verses from the Holy Quran and Sayings of the prophet that have direct relation to the International agreements of Human Rights.

‘’Extremism and terrorism cannot be combated through Islamophobia but only through cultural dialogue, cooperation, communications and dialogue between faiths and civilizations highlighting common values and traditions.’’ said Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) Dr Ali bin Sumaikh Al Marri in his opening speech at the Arabic Calligraphy exhibition in Berlin organised by NHRC.

H.E Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Germany said, ‘’ The Arabic Calligraphy Exhibition on human rights in Islamic culture is a form of cultural communication and the fruit of intercultural dialogue.’’

H.E the Ambassador pointed out that Islam protected the ancient monuments and previous civilizations of every country it entered, based on its belief that the cultural diversity and civilization for every nation is a gain for humanity and as a result it should not be allowed by any means to be distorted or destroyed. The religion of Islam called for the Human rights and for the respect of Mankind, its dignity and freedom. The Nobel message of Islam was to consolidate the principles of justice and equality among all human beings and to end injustice, racism and oppression. H.E added that the exhibition is expected to contribute to support the efforts of dialogue between religions, civilizations and cultures and further to explain the message of the religion of Islam and its definition to human rights and respect to humanity.

Mr. Michael Reiffenstuel, Commissioner for Foreign Cultural Policy, German Foreign Office and Chairman of the National Committee for the UNESCO Global Geoparks in Germany mentioned that the Arabic calligraphy exhibition on human rights in Islamic culture in Berlin was a significant contribution to the efforts of the German-Qatari cultural year. He explained that the establishment of this exhibition in the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany will highlight the most important humanitarian principles in an artistic way, not only by building bridges and initiating dialogue, but also by making our people side by side within mutual understanding of humankind.

The exhibition shows how the Arabic calligraphy Exhibition works to translate the meanings of the Arabic words, spirituality and religious meanings to reach an understanding across cultures and languages," said Dr. Martin Kellner, Professor of Calligraphy, at the Islamic Theology at the University of Osnabrück.