London Yunus Emre Institute opened the doors of the exhibition featuring modern and traditional (classic) calligraphy works by Trakya University Faculty Member Dr. Ömer Kasım and retired British diplomat Terence Clark on November 7^th for the art lovers, with a ceremony honoured by Minister of Culture and Tourism Prof. Dr. Numan Kurtulmuş.

Kurtulmuş: “Calligraphy is one of the finest forms of traditional Islamic art”

Exhibition organized in collaboration with London Culture and Tourism Office, brings together the love for Islamic art and skills of two calligraphers brought up in different social circles one in East and the other in West. Minister of Culture and Tourism Numan Kurtulmuş who made a speech at the exhibition opening, marked that this exhibition which contributes to the development and promotion of calligraphy art, is the sign of the value given to art. Minister Kurtulmuş said, “Calligraphy is one of the finest forms of traditional Islamic art. In fact the letters in the alphabet remain the same, the letter and form in any writing style do not change however through calligraphy, those who perform this marvellous Islamic art have made each of the letters speak throughout centuries, so to say,” and congratulated the artists.

Exhibition opening also attended by members of the Ottoman dynasty, was honoured by London Ambassador Abdurrahman Bilgiç and prominent diplomats from Iraqi Embassy. Widely attended by the press, Reuters, BBC Arabic, and Al Araby TV interviewed the artists and guests in the event.

Kasım of Iraqi origin was born and raised in Mosul, received art training first in Baghdad University and later worked in Turkey, and has 16 works in the exhibition. British Diplomat Clark who was assigned to Iraq as a Consul General and received calligraphy training here, continues to work in England on calligraphy and Islamic designs. Seven works in the exhibition are made by Clark. Inspired by the poetry of masters as Rûmi and Abu Nuwas, Clark mainly expresses his art in a modern style while Kahya mainly works on huruf-ı mukattaa.

Featuring original works by the two artists, the exhibition can be visited in London Yunus Emre Institute until December 8^th.