‘Adil-i Mutlak’ exhibition brings new composition to calligraphy art in Istanbul
Visitors examine the artworks at the Adil-i Mutlak exhibition, Istanbul, Türkiye, January 14, 2025. (AA Photo)
The “Adil-i Mutlak” exhibition, featuring calligraphy and illumination art, aims to introduce a new composition style to traditional Islamic calligraphy. Open to visitors until Jan. 27, the exhibition is being held at Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center, part of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul.
“Adil-i Mutlak” refers to the sacred verses (ayahs) that serve as a means of attaining divine protection from Allah when recited or carried.
Curated by Yasemin Karaca, the exhibition is part of the 2025 Calligraphy Art Exhibition, now in its 11th year. Showcasing 13 calligraphy works alongside 12 illuminations (tezhip) pieces. The exhibition also presents the latest works of calligrapher Savas Cevik under the theme “Calligraphy, Motifs, and Pixels.”
Modern take on traditional art
Curator Yasemin Karaca highlighted the innovative approach taken in this year’s exhibition, explaining how the display diverges from conventional methods. “Normally, we feature 12 calligraphy works, including a cover piece. This year, we added 12 tezhip artworks and two digital installations,” she said.
The exhibition features a “show within a show” concept, with Cevik presenting 18 pieces in a unique “muttasil makili” style—a seamless, interconnected lettering format that some may describe as cubist-inspired.
Blending tradition with modernity
Karaca emphasized the interactive elements of the exhibition, pointing out the striking three-dimensional installation at its center. “We transformed one of the calligraphy works featured in the calendar into a large-scale 3D object,” she explained.
Hanging circular elements with magnified calligraphic words related to justice, paired with intricate tezhip details on the reverse, further enhance the immersive experience.
The modernized presentation has drawn significant attention. “The exhibition has received more interest than we anticipated,” Karaca noted. “This is likely due to the contemporary display methods, the dynamic three-dimensional elements, and the striking visual composition.”
Adil-i Mutlak: Calligraphy meets cubism
Calligrapher Savas Cevik introduced his “muttasil makili” writing style, eliminating spaces between letters to create a continuous, flowing script. His 18 exhibited works include compositions of “Allahu Akbar,” “Kalima al-Tawhid,” and various Quranic verses.
“Picasso and Braque’s cubism served as a slight inspiration, but our technique and execution are distinct,” Cevik explained.
“Calligraphy requires a strict discipline and geometric order. The audience encountered a seamless script style, which has been met with highly positive reactions. I am delighted to have contributed a new compositional style to calligraphy.”
Future of calligraphy
Cevik expressed his hope that the exhibition would inspire younger generations to explore new approaches to calligraphy. “Although calligraphy is a classical, traditional art form, introducing fresh interpretations and techniques is crucial for its evolution. I firmly believe in the future of calligraphy,” he said.
The exhibition also features an eye-catching three-dimensional MDF piece of Surah Araf, Verse 29, finished with a gold leaf, drawing strong visitor interest.
With its fusion of tradition and modernity, the “Adil-i Mutlak” exhibition offers a captivating journey into the evolving world of calligraphy art. Visitors have until Jan.27 to experience this groundbreaking showcase at Tophane-i Amire Culture and Art Center in Istanbul.
