The 12th edition of "Bismillah", calligraphy, calligraphic painting and graphic Festival was inaugurated by ECO Cultural Institute (ECI) in cooperation with the Center for Development of Quranic Arts on 24 June 2015, attended by H.E. Dr. Masjed Jame'I, member of Tehran City Council, H. E. Mr. Noor Muhammad Jadmani, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, members of diplomatic corps and cultural attaches of the ECO Member States, Mr. Eslami, Director General in in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Falahat Pisheh, Director General in Islamic Culture and Relation Organization, Mr. Khosrow Abadi, Director General in Cultural Heritage Organization, a great number of Directors and high level expers from governmental organizations, prominent Iranian calligraphy masters and a group of calli
Speaking on the objective of the festival, Iftikhar Husain Arif, President of the ECO Cultural Institute, said: "ECO Cultural Institute, in line with its goals and objectives, jointly with the cooperation of Quranic Arts Center has organized another edition of 'Bismillah' International Festival with an aim to honor the foremost master calligraphers who have contributed to keep the tradition of Quranic calligraphy alive and to restore and promote the cultural-artistic heritage of the ECO region throughout the world."
" 'Bismillah', a sublime attribute of Allah Almighty, a significant sign of Islam and an integral part of Muslims' identity, is present in different calligraphic styles created by the renowned calligraphers of ECO Region who have made their utmost devotion to this Islamic art." He added.
H.E. Dr. Masjed Jame'I also stated that: "Each chapter of the Quran begins with Bismillah, the graceful name of God, which is considered a kind of culture building in writing."
"This culture has been manifested in arts as different styles of calligraphy, samples of them showcased in this exhibition."
Mohammad Reza Kamarehei, the Secretary of the Festival appreciated the ECO Cultural Institute for its efforts in organization of the event and said:" The 12th edition of the Festival is a review of artworks in the past editions. So far, a collection of 20 thousands artworks has been gathered by the Center for Development of Quranic Arts which is unparalleled in the world of Islam."
"35 artworks from eight countries including ECO countries have been showcased in the current edition of the Festival." He added.
On the sidelines of the event, the statue of the Festival was unveiled.