Calligraphy is among the most popular handicrafts of recent years. Calligraphy works bring aesthetically perfect and peaceful works to people’s homes or offices. There is no doubt that facsimile calligraphy works are at the top of the works that add an aesthetic, lively and spiritual atmosphere to living and working spaces. Calligraphy, which we can define as the transformation of typefaces into art with a masterful touch accompanied by special motifs, is among the works that attract a lot of attention today. Calligraphy examples that add a different color and spirit to your living and working spaces are extremely decorative works made with certain techniques.
What is Calligraphy?
The word calligraphy, which means path, writing, has found its meaning in the context of art as “writing Arabic script beautifully by adhering to aesthetic criteria”. Calligraphy, which takes shape within the framework of an aesthetic understanding, has managed to reach the present day by continuing with the master-apprentice relationship and continuously improving itself over the centuries.
The art of calligraphy has continued to develop throughout history, has become perfect and has deservedly taken its place among fine arts. Calligraphy is generally defined as “a spiritual handicraft that emerges with physical tools”.
History of Calligraphy
The history of calligraphy, which has a deep-rooted past, dates back to the 6th century. The application of calligraphy is possible with lines and writings in the full sense. The people who practice the art of calligraphy are given their names and calligraphers are generally trained based on the master-apprentice relationship. In the process extending from the Ottoman period to the present day, we come across many important works of calligraphy.
Calligraphy exhibited great development under the patronage of the Ottoman Palace in the 15th-17th centuries. In the Ottoman Empire, calligraphy was considered superior to other branches of art and calligraphers gained great respect.
Famous Calligraphers
A great change occurred in the art of calligraphy in the second half of the 15th century. Calligrapher Sheikh Hamdullah, who was trained during this period, brought new interpretations to the art of calligraphy.
The most important calligrapher of the Kanuni Period was Ahmet Karahisari. In the 17th century, we see Hafız Osman as another milestone of Ottoman calligraphy. Sultan Ahmet III became famous for his tughra-shaped writings and calligraphy albums. Another important calligrapher trained in the 18th century was Mustafa Rakım.
Calligraphy continued its existence during the 19th century and later during the Republican Period. The tradition of calligraphy continues today thanks to masters and students supported by various private institutions and organizations. It is a very important situation in terms of ensuring the continuation of the tradition of calligraphy.
Types of Calligraphy
The types of calligraphy have changed, developed and divided into branches over the centuries. Some calligraphy writing types have become unpopular over time, while others are divided into sub-branches. Calligraphy writing types vary in terms of style and usage area.
The 6 calligraphy writing types that have become the main writing types of calligraphy are: Thuluth, Nesih, Muhakkak, Reyhani, Tevki and Rikaa.
How is Calligraphy Done?
Calligraphy, like every art form that involves aesthetic concerns, varies according to the artist. Although there are certain rules and measurements that must be followed, each calligrapher creates an original work by adding their own interpretation to their works. Since calligraphy is an art that is essentially performed using Arabic letters, it is essential for those who want to be interested in calligraphy to have mastered the Arabic alphabet.
Calligraphy Works
Of course, it can be quite expensive to obtain the originals of the works of great calligraphers such as Şeyh Hamdullah, Ahmed Karahisari, Hafız Osman, Mustafa Rakım, Mahmut Celaleddin Efendi, Yesarizade Mustafa İzzet Efendi. However, it is possible to obtain the exact printed works of these great masters.
