Ammon News - The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) announced Tuesday evening that Arabic calligraphy was added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, as a monumental cultural symbol in the Arab and Islamic worlds.

The addition was underpinned by the fact that Arabic calligraphy "represents the story of a civilization, heritage and culture, and that it is closely linked to the Arabic language," a statement released Wednesday by the Ministry of Culture explained.

Minister Haifa Najjar said: "We are pleased with the success of the efforts exerted to nominate the Arabic calligraphy to be inscribed on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This would effectively cement the concept of preserving the elements of this heritage as one of the key pillars to preserve national identity."

The move, Najjar explained, is important to raise awareness on Arabic calligraphy, which has taken a back seat to technological developments. "Not many people these days exercise penmanship, and calligraphers especially are declining in numbers. This would have a negative effect in the long-term, which is why it is imperative to raise awareness on Arabic calligraphy and preserve it," she pointed out.