ALI DAHYYA

ALI DAHYYA

ALI DAHYYA

ALI DAHYYA

Born on May 20, 1983, in Rabat, Ali Dahya is a Moroccan master calligrapher whose refined artistry and precision have led him to prestigious positions and participation in renowned international events.

Education and Career

Ali Dahya began his studies in Arabic calligraphy between 2002 and 2004 in various institutes and associations. Thanks to his exceptional talent, he joined the Royal Archives Directorate as a calligrapher in 2006, before moving to the Mohammed V Mausoleum in 2009. In 2011, he achieved a major milestone by becoming a calligrapher for the Royal Cabinet, where he still works today.

His expertise has led him to participate in prestigious projects, including the illumination and decoration of royal and religious manuscripts, notably the ornate edition of the Holy Quran under the auspices of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Publication of the Holy Quran. He is also among the few artists to have contributed to the mural illumination of the genealogical tree of His Majesty the King, displayed at the Library of the Alaouite Dynasty in Rabat.

Awards and Distinctions

  • 2010: Winner of the Mohammed VI Award for Excellence in Moroccan Calligraphy, presented by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
  • 2011: First official license in Moroccan calligraphy, awarded by master calligrapher Mohammed Lmaâllmine.
  • 2021: Appointed jury member for the international Arabic calligraphy and illumination competition, organized by UNESCO.
  • 2023: Commissioned to contribute to the Amazigh version of the Holy Quran, currently in production.

Major Exhibitions and International Participation

Ali Dahya has participated in numerous exhibitions and international festivals, showcasing his calligraphy and illumination work. Some of the most notable include:

  • 2009: International Festival of Miniature and Illumination in Algeria.
  • 2010: ArtsiKa International Arabic Calligraphy Competition.
  • 2010: 3rd International Festival of Miniature and Illumination, Algeria.
  • 2011: "Qurans of Morocco" Exhibition at the National Library of Rabat.
  • 2011: International Festival of Miniature and Illumination in Tlemcen, Algeria.
  • 2011: Exhibition of Mohammed VI Award Laureates for Calligraphy at the Multimedia Library of Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca.
  • 2013: Collective Exhibition of Mohammed VI Award Laureates at the Casablanca Book Fair.
  • 2013: 1st International Festival of Arabic Calligraphy in Fez.
  • 2016: Calligraphy Exhibition on Environmental Themes, organized by the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, during the COP22 Climate Conference in Marrakech.
  • 2019: Exhibition “Supplication to the Most Beautiful Names of God”, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Throne Day.
  • 2020: Presentation of a unique large-format edition of the book “Dalâ'il al-Khayrât”.

Commitment and Contributions

Alongside his artistic career, Ali Dahya is also a jury member and a researcher in illumination and gilding. He regularly conducts calligraphy and illumination workshops, sharing his expertise with younger generations and helping to preserve traditional Moroccan calligraphy.

Thanks to his meticulous work and dedication to preserving Moroccan calligraphic heritage, Ali Dahya is recognized today as one of Morocco’s most distinguished master calligraphers.

Some of the works