Hussein Alazaat is a renowned calligrapher, artist, and multidisciplinary designer who lives and works in Amman, Jordan. 

He is the founder of Elharf Studio, a platform showcasing rare books, design products, and sources of Arab visual inspiration. Most recently, Hussein worked on a project to redesign Jordanian currency.

Whether he's working on visual art installations at the world's top museums, creating graphic design for brands in the Middle East and beyond, collecting books in dusty yard sales, or teaching calligraphy to students from across the globe, Hussein is on a mission to preserve the heritage of his culture.

Listen to the Episode

What you’ll hear:

  • The ancient civilization that made gods for people in the region
  • The origins of the world's first alphabet
  • Why Hussein is obsessed with coins
  • Why a letter is a universe in itself
  • How Hussein aims to preserve the vast trove of Arab cultural heritage
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Imagine if someone discovered a hidden cave with endless amounts and piles of jewelry and rare stones and rare gems. This is me. I'm at the door of this cave. I let people go inside and I give them tours of those treasures. And I'm so happy about this.” – Hussein Alazaat
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Elharf Studio

A treasure trove of knowledge in Jordan's capital.

Hussein's space in Amman, Elharf Studio, is a must-see stop for anyone looking to glimpse into vast Arabic culture.

The studio serves as a cultural intersection point for researchers and enthusiasts of Arab cultural identity.

Elharf hosts a significant archive of rare books, publications dating back centuries, and references from which the region's visual community draws inspiration and knowledge.

Elharf also runs diverse educational and training programs, including calligraphy courses and workshops, all centered around Arabia and its visual theory.

“I feel all the time that I have this responsibility over my shoulders to preserve the culture.” – Hussein Alazaat