Torah and Quran keep ancient art alive

Even in Silicon Wadi, the ancient art of calligraphy still flourishes

JERUSALEM (AP) — In a world overwhelmed by electronic gadgets that have changed the way we read, write and learn, the Jewish and Islamic arts of calligraphy have preserved their methods for generations.

Parchment, feathers and “qalams,” a pen made of dried bamboo, are still used by sophers — Jewish scribes — and khattats — Muslim calligraphers. Calligraphy is one of the main art forms in Judaism and Islam, reflecting how central the word is to both religions.

: Palestinian calligraphy expert Adel Fauzy practices at his studio in the West Bank town of Hawara, near Nablus. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Palestinian calligraphy expert Qassem Sartawe, 22, prepares ink to be used for calligraphy works in the West Bank town of Bedya, near Nablus. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Two Jewish men check their smart phones as they read a religious scroll at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews pray, in Jerusalem’s Old City. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Palestinian calligraphy expert Adel Fauzy practices at his studio in the West Bank town of Hawara, near Nablus. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Palestinian calligraphy expert Qassem Sartawe, 22, prepares ink to be used for calligraphy works in the West Bank town of Bedya, near Nablus. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Calligraphy expert Avraham Borshevsky practices at his studio in Jerusalem. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Torah calligraphy by Hanna Klebansky. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: A Palestinian muslim worshipper reads the Holy book of Quran inside a Mosque in the West Bank city of Ramallah. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

: Calligraphy expert Avraham Borshevsky practices at his studio in Jerusalem. (photo credit: AP/Bernat Armangue)

The Quran has played a major role in the spread of the Arabic language and alphabet, as have Judaism’s Torah and other holy books in the preservation of Hebrew.

Both Muslim and Jewish scribes say deep knowledge of religion infuses the graceful lines of their calligraphy and is essential to the art, which they say ensures the art’s survival into the future — something no electronic tool will be able to bring.