Madiha Umar (Aleppo, 1908 – Amman, 2005) was a pioneering artist, recognized for integrating Arabic calligraphy into abstract art, and is widely regarded as the first Arab artist to do so. Her innovation positioned her as a precursor of the Hurufiyya movement, which explores the aesthetic possibilities of Arabic script in contemporary visual arts. She was also the first woman to receive an Iraqi government scholarship to study in Europe, expanding her education and artistic vision. Upon returning to Iraq, she dedicated herself to teaching painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Baghdad, where she became head of the department. Her legacy is preserved by her grandson through the collection of the artist’s estate.