Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang, from China, is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is responsible for the formal codification of the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. He is listed as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world. His work has been displayed in galleries and museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Center for Government and International Studies (CGIS) at Harvard University. He was also awarded the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center 2016 Islamic Economy Award in the category of Islamic Arts.
Abu Bakr Mi Guanghai is a distinguished teacher of Chinese traditional style Arabic calligraphy, with a rich background in both Chinese and Arabic calligraphic traditions. Graduating from Azhar University in Egypt, Abu Bakr’s journey in calligraphy began under the guidance of renowned master Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang in 2008, followed by accolades such as the third prize at the National Muslim Calligraphy and Painting Exhibition in 2010. Furthering his expertise, he studied Ottoman-style Arabic traditional calligraphy with Moroccan master Balaid Hamidi, mastering scripts like Ruq’aht, Diwani, Jalidiwani, and Taliq. Since 2018, Abu Bakr has been imparting his knowledge as a teacher and has served as a mentor for graduate student selection and work evaluation. Recognized for his contributions, he was awarded the Chinese Traditional Arabic Calligrapher Qualification Certificate in 2019. Abu Bakr’s artistic prowess has been celebrated through his selection for the prestigious calligraphy and painting exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the China Islamic Association in 2023.
Fatima Cao Yiying, born in 1965 in Henan, Zhengzhou, is a dedicated educator specializing in Quranic Science and Islamic Education. With a profound commitment to her faith and community, she served as the Imama of a female Masjid in Baizhai, Henan, for two years. Ms. Yiying’s educational journey includes studying under esteemed Chinese Imam Rongxi Mai in 1983 and completing a two-year Arabic course at the Language and Culture University in Beijing. Furthering her knowledge abroad, she pursued studies at Al-Azhar University in Cairo, focusing on religious studies and dedicating substantial time to researching effective teaching methods for Chinese Muslims. As the wife of Haji Noor Deen, she actively contributed to calligraphy research. Presently, she imparts her wisdom through Sunday classes at Huayuanjie Mosque in her hometown of Zhengzhou, Henan, where she resides with her husband and two son
Yusuf Hu Houji, born in Fengxian City, Jiangsu Province, in 1983, discovered his passion for calligraphy and painting from a young age, immersing himself in Islamic classics at Huankou Mosque in Fengxian City. Under the esteemed guidance of renowned international Arabic calligrapher Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang, Yusuf diligently refined his Arabic writing skills. Notable achievements include winning the third prize at the National Hui Painting and Calligraphy Exhibition in 2010 and garnering accolades at various national exhibitions. His works have been celebrated and collected by enthusiasts worldwide, including in Malaysia, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, and Syria. Furthering his expertise, Yusuf studied in Egypt, obtaining certificates in Arabic traditional calligraphy styles and becoming a member of the Egyptian Calligraphers Association. He continued to expand his knowledge under the tutelage of esteemed calligraphers, including Mr. Titu Fouad, mastering Islamic graphic arts and receiving diplomas in Islamic Geometry and Floral Design. Yusuf’s dedication led him to open an Arabic calligraphy class in Egypt, where he has taught over 100 students. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to the art of calligraphy and a dedication to sharing his expertise with others.
Saleema Zhang dandan, born in Xinzheng City, Henan Province in 1988 and now residing in Taihe County, Anhui Province, is a member of the Egyptian Arabic Calligraphy Association. Under the guidance of renowned master Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang, she began her journey in traditional Chinese Arabic calligraphy in 2006. Notable achievements include her artwork being selected for exhibitions commemorating significant events like the 60th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China and being permanently collected by the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Museum in 2009. Saleema furthered her studies at Azhar University in Egypt from 2010 to 2018, mastering traditional Arabic calligraphy styles under masters such as Mr. Belaid Hamidi and obtaining certificates of inheritance for various scripts. In 2021, she commenced teaching China’s traditional Arabic writing methods to female students at the Masjid of Taihe County. Saleema’s artistic prowess was once again acknowledged in 2023 when one of her artworks was chosen for the prestigious calligraphy and painting exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese Islamic Association.
Ahmed Jie Mi is an innovative Product Designer with a focus on emerging technologies. He is currently completing his Master’s degree at the Academy of Art University. He is also a proud graduate of the California College of the Arts, where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interaction Design, complemented by a minor in Computational Practices, in 2021. In addition to his design career, Ahmed is a skilled Arabic calligrapher. His calligraphy journey began in his childhood, with his first professional training taking place at Al-Azhar Al-Sharif in Egypt. There, he studied the Riqa and Diwani styles under Moroccan Hoca Belaid Hamidi in 2010. His education continued at Istanbul’s IRCICA, where in 2020, he honed his skills in the Thuluth and Naskh styles under the guidance of Hoca Ferhat Kurlu and Hoca Mümtaz S. Durdu. Currently, Ahmed shares his expertise by teaching these styles at the Masjid Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq in Hayward, CA.
Osman Bai Rongqian’s journey in calligraphy began in 2009 when he delved into Chinese-style Arabic calligraphy under the guidance of Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang. Transitioning to traditional Arabic calligraphy in 2010, he honed his skills under the mentorship of Rasheed Butt, achieving proficiency in Kufic Script by 2012. His talent earned him first-place awards at prestigious competitions like the 2015 Islamabad International Islamic University Spring Carnival Calligraphy Competition. Osman’s dedication led to notable appearances at events such as the Lahore International Literature Festival and the China Pakistan Friendship Center Art Exhibition in 2016. After six years of rigorous study, he mastered Naskh Script in 2016 and obtained the first Guangjide Study Chinese-style Arabic calligraphy and depiction graduation certificate in 2019. Founding the Silk Road Cultural Research Center in Islamabad in 2020, Osman continued to excel, earning graduation certificates for both Chinese traditional Arabic calligraphy and traditional Chinese Arabic calligraphy in 2021. His ongoing success is highlighted by invitations to esteemed events like the Bader Art Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates in 2023.
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