As part of the Asia House Bagri Foundation Literature Festival enjoy a morning learning the wonderful art of Arabic calligraphy with Moustafa Hassan, master calligrapher and Arabic calligraphy instructor at SOAS, University of London.

Now established as one of the UK’s leading exponents of Arabic calligraphy, Egyptian-born British artist Moustafa’s calligraphy explores the psychic spaces between art and reality, which in turn bring the sense and order of the past to the complexities of lived experience.

Over two hours he will introduce you to the basics of calligraphy, including how to create your own calligraphy pen and how to write your name according to the art.

Children 8 years and over are welcome.

This event is the first part of a day devoted to translation. In the afternoon we will hold free SOAS language classes. Click here for more information on the classes. After the classes, between 5pm and 6pm there will be a Murakami translation slam, featuring two leading Japanese translators going back-to-back as they translate some passages of the famous Japanese writer. Click here to book tickets.

The SOAS Language Centre in London offers practical communicative courses in a wide range of Asian and African languages at all levels from Beginner to Advanced, as evening or Saturday courses, or more intensive courses leading to a SOAS Diploma. Over the summer 2015 they will host a series of seminars aimed at all different abilities and time schedules. Click here to read about their summer programme.

Our Translation Day is sponsored by Ahmad Tea, whose award-winning brews will be served throughout the day. Click here for more information on Ahmad Tea.