Turkey's finest Islamic calligraphers book Dubai for Middle East debut

Organisers of 'Gilded Letters', which will take place throughout Ramadan at Dubai Heritage and Diving Village, anticipate a busy event after learning a show featuring classical Islamic calligraphy at the Metropolitan Museum in New York last year sold out within days.

'The success of similar events has proven the art form's popularity among Europeans and Americans, however this is the first time these classical artists have exhibited in the Middle East,' said Idil Akin, general manager of event coordinators Mosaic Organizations.

'Dubai, at the heart of the region, was a natural choice as the location for 'Gilded Letters' and with the calligraphy holding such significant meaning here, we anticipate a successful debut,' added Akin.

Created using decorative letters and pure gold, the art-form grew out of Turkey's capital Istanbul through early inscriptions on marble fountains and tombstones. The calligraphy follows symmetrical patterns with many of the 41 pieces on sale depicting excerpts from the Koran and historical sayings such as 'Esma-ul Husna' (99 beautiful names of God) and 'Hilye-i Serif' (describing the features and qualities of the Prophet).

All pieces appearing at Dubai Heritage and Diving Village are framed in traditional style with prices starting at $1500 (AED5,509). The collection includes two distinctive, large-scale creations worth over $50,000 (AED183,645) each.

Accompanying their work on the trip from Turkey are the collection's creators - Muammer Semih Irtes, Mamure Oz and Recep Cengiz.

Widely regarded around the world for producing the finest classical Islamic calligraphers, the calligraphy and gilding studio at Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul is home to the artists, all of which trained and now teach at the palace's acclaimed school.

'Turkey's Islamic calligraphers have decorated the interiors of some of the Middle East's most beautiful buildings over the years,' said Semih Irtes. 'And it is here, in the region where we feel most at home, that we are most proud to share our work.'

Projects undertaken by Semih Irtes, Oz and Cengiz include some of the world's finest Mosques both within the GCC and as far a field as Tokyo, Japan and Berlin, Germany.

'Gilded Letters' will also form part of the Eid celebrations at Dubai Heritage and Diving Village and will therefore run from 4th October until 6th November between 5.00pm and 10.30pm in exhibition hall one. An invitation-only cocktail reception for media and business representatives will be held at 7.30pm on 5th October to mark the official opening.

The artists teach calligraphy under the patronage and authority of Turkey's Ministry of Culture and 'Gilded Letters' is supported by Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing.