The dictionary meaning of a calligrapher is “a person who writes and teaches Islamic writing for artistic purposes”. The word calligrapher is derived from the Arabic infinitive “hatt”. Calligrapher is the title given to a person who practices the traditional art of calligraphy that has survived from ancient times to the present day. Calligraphy, a type of beautiful writing art, was written using Arabic letters and various writing techniques, and produced its most beautiful works in the hands of Turkish artists. In this article, let’s take a closer look at the calligraphers who perform the art of calligraphy in the best way with their talent and skill, and try to find answers to questions such as how to become a calligrapher? What are the conditions for becoming a calligrapher? What does a calligrapher do?
What does a calligrapher do?
The first question that comes to people’s minds when they hear the word calligrapher is of course “what does a calligrapher do?” is the question. To answer briefly, calligrapher is the name given to artists who write verses and hadiths aesthetically, usually on paper, using tools whose main materials are reed and pen. The perspective that beautiful writing expressed in verses and hadiths and those who write beautiful writing deserve praise has been dominant in the calligraphers’ starting this job and their determination to advance it.
The writings written by calligraphers especially offer a very aesthetic and stylish appearance. Thus, they produce works for both individual and institutional use. It is possible to say that the work of calligraphers is widely evaluated in many different areas today.
How to become a calligrapher?
Calligraphy education, one of the traditional Turkish arts, was carried out in a serious discipline as a master-apprentice relationship. Calligraphy, which generally started at a young age, was practiced in official institutions, madrasahs, private educational institutions or mansions. Calligraphers who provided training on certain days of the week received daily or monthly payments.
It has been recorded that some great calligraphers also gave special training to one or two students who were talented and eager for this job, and they trained students without receiving any payment, and they saw this as “giving the zakat of art”.
A person who wants to become a calligrapher must receive training in the art of calligraphy. Especially in this art, the use of a pen is of great importance. Experts and masters who are experienced in the field teach all the subtleties of calligraphy. Although the person receives the title of calligrapher when the training is completed, calligraphy training is a lifelong learning and self-development process.
What are the conditions for becoming a calligrapher?
As in every art and craft, there are certain conditions for becoming a calligrapher. The most important of these is, of course, receiving training in this job. However, one cannot become a calligrapher by just receiving training, and it is also necessary to have many qualities, talents and skills individually.
Some of the certain conditions for becoming a calligrapher can be listed as follows: Being closely interested in the art of calligraphy, being talented and enthusiastic about the art of calligraphy, putting arrogance aside, being patient and determined, continuing to write constantly, using the right materials, to get approval.
Apart from all these, there are also some characteristics that a person must have in order to become a calligrapher: Being detailed, having an aesthetic understanding, being meticulous, being creative and being careful are among these.
What are the difficulties of calligraphy?
As in every profession and art branch, there are some difficulties that come with being a calligrapher. However, once you set your heart on this art, we do not think that such difficulties will be an obstacle for you. Nevertheless, if we need to list some difficulties that calligraphers face: They can only work in the private sector and insurance conditions are not developed in many workplaces. The lack of employment opportunities in the state limits the work areas of calligraphers. They generally do not have a regular income. The earnings of a person who is not well-known in the art of calligraphy can be quite low.
Calligraphy as a Hobby
In the old days, these artists went through a very difficult and patient training. Calligraphers also practiced archery to strengthen their hands and fingers. Many famous calligraphers were also master archers, and in fact, these two institutions often worked together.
There is no doubt that in order to become a calligrapher, you need to have a certain talent. At the same time, you need to receive some training and gain experience accordingly. In this direction, many people today want to engage in calligraphy and become calligraphers. However, the fact that there are very limited job opportunities forces this art to remain more of a hobby.
What are the materials used in calligraphy?
The calligraphy materials used are generally reed pens, paper, ink and pencil sharpeners. Acid-free papers should be preferred so that the works can be preserved for a long time without being damaged. The quality of the materials is extremely important for the beautiful execution of calligraphy.
