Istanbul

Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink

In a historical encounter, Sheikh Hamdullah meets Beyazid II, then the governor of Amasya, and is tasked with creating an original inscription for the Ottomans. Vanishing for forty days, Sheikh Hamdullah returns with the art of calligraphy, a dance of solid and ink.

Letters, emerging from a poet’s pen, transform into expressions of longing or love, edicts, or even reflections on death. These inscriptions traverse through centuries, conjuring memories and stories that endure.

Flowing from the calligrapher’s heart onto the awaiting pages, calligraphy transforms into a form of art. In the early Islamic periods, Arabic letters evolved from a primitive alphabet called “magili” to the “kufi” style originating from the city of Kufe. Kufi, initially used for Korans and hadiths, later became a decorative art form in Seljuk architecture.

The Yakut School

Yakut, a Turkish calligraphe

17th Century Marvels

In the 17th century, calligraphy reached its zenith, not only elevating Ottoman art but also permeating beyond palace confines to cultivate aesthetic tastes among the people. Ahmed Karahisari and his disciple Hasan Qelebi, who followed the Yakut School in the 18th century, left an indelible mark on calligraphy. Revered as “Karahisari, the victory of calligraphy,” their magnificent works surpassed all styles.

Sultans Embrace Calligraphy 19th Century Renaissance

Even in the 19th century, calligraphy retained its significance within the Ottoman Empire, drawing interest from Sultans themselves. Notably, Sultan Mahmut II Read More about Calligraphy The Dance of Pen and Ink, mentored by Mustafa Rasim Efendi, produced masterpieces for the Chief of Religious Officials building in Topkapi Palace, earning him the title “the Sultan of Calligraphers.”

Turkish Artist