Istanbul

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

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

City of Inns and Markets

Sanliurfa holds the distinction of being the Turkish city with the highest number of inns and covered markets, known for its picturesque houses resembling small palaces. Boasting 309 registered houses, the city’s charm is set to receive a tourism boost with the opening of the international airport and strengthened relations with neighboring Syria.

The Tale of Prophet Abraham and the Sacred Fish Pool (Balikli Gol)

The narrative unfolds with the cruel King Nimrod Read More about The Golden Age of Calligraphy, driven by fear of a prophecy that foretells his demise at the hands of a child born that year. Ordering the execution of all newborns, Sara Hatun escapes, giving birth to Abraham in a cave. Abandoned and suckled by a female gazelle, Abraham is discovered by soldiers. Nimrod, lacking an heir, adopts the child. As Abraham grows, he questions the oppressive rule and challenges the w