Gülcan Acar

This piece combines two different branches of traditional Turkish arts, illumination and calligraphy, and reflects a collaborative effort between two master artists. Master calligrapher Sahof Almustafa’s calligraphic text reads ‘’Er-rızku a’l Allah’’ (the Arabic for: Allah is the One who determines our rizq or sustenance). It is a common phrase used in Hüsn-i Hat that is usually written on a plaque and displayed, especially in workplaces and shops, as a continuous prayer for sustenance.

Artist Gülcan Acar used the art of illumination for its intended purpose, framing and decorating the calligraphic writing with the zencerek pattern (braided ribbon / chain pattern). She created an original frame-like pattern that highlights the text by combining different motifs and stylized flowers. These patterns, which are drawn in geometrical order, are intended to represent strips of the same thickness that appear as though they are knitted. The artist has also used the traditional Tezhip technique with the Rumi pattern, which is one of the most popular motifs in Tezhip art.

The Spring is the original calligraphy and illumination traditional Turkish and Islamic artwork. Alif is the first letter of the Arabic alphabet. It is regarded as the most important letter for many reasons. In sufism, Alif symbolises selfness of Allah and his unity.

Initially, the calligrapher (Sahof Almustafa) wrote this inscription of Alif on the cardboard and the illuminator, Gulcan Acar, has uniquely designed and applied this harmonious and coherent illumination art. In the original artwork, real gold is used for the yellow parts you see here.

This artwork is the collaborative work of two master artists and is an original work in which two different branches of traditional Turkish arts, illumination and calligraphy, are used in harmony. As the main subject and the heart of the work, the name of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) is written in müsennâ-style calligraphy in the centre. Master calligrapher Sahof Almustafa’s calligraphic text reads “Muhammad” (the messenger of Islam and the proclaimer of the Qurʾān).

Prophet Muhammad’s (Peace be upon him) name is surrounded by 14 repetitions of “Sallallahu alayhi wasallam” (the Arabic for: May Allah honour him and grant him peace). In keeping with the purpose of its emergence, artist Gülcan Acar has decorated this calligraphic text with the art of illumination. She has created a one-of-a-kind pattern that complements the text by combining various motifs and stylized flowers. The artist has also employed

traditional tezhip and hâlkâr techniques. Hâlkâr is a special technique in which diluted gold is used to embellish or colour the patterns. Real gold has been used in this piece to colour the red motifs that were used in the original artwork.