Calligraphy Museum, museum in istanbyl , turkey

Calligraphy Museum,,,

 

The Istanbul Museum of Calligraphy houses one of the richest collections of calligraphy art in the world. It is situated inside a former medrese (religious school) which formed part of the Beyazit Mosque complex. The building, which later also served as the local library, surrounds a pretty courtyard. 

 

Calligraphy Museum - overview :

 

The Islamic art of calligraphy was born out of artists' desires to express themselves under a religion where the production of images of people and animals was forbidden. During the years of the Ottoman Empire, calligraphy flourished and many of the most beautiful examples of Islamic calligraphy were produced during this time period.

The Istanbul Museum of Calligraphy houses a large collection of medieval calligraphy including Korans, wall hangings, tools, official documents and 'tugra'- seals containing the signature of sultans.

Calligraphy Circle :

 

Also on display are examples of calligraphy from Sultans Abdülmecid, Ahmed III and Mahmut II- who were experienced calligraphy artists - and a Koran reading desk which belonged to Sultan Abdulhamid II. There are also examples of calligraphy on stone, glass and tile.

video Calligraphy Museum :

 

 Frommer's Review :

The fine art of calligraphy was the most important one in the Ottoman Empire. Sultans Beyazit II and Ahmet III were themselves masters in the art, and some of the more elaborate imperial seals (or tugra) were set to paper by their hands. Dedicated entirely to this art, the Museum of Calligraphy is the only one of its kind, housed in what was originally the medrese of the Beyazit complex, and in the 20th century, a municipal library. The museum exhibits illuminated Korans from all over the empire, tugras, official documents in elaborate script, and various tools of the trade, all displayed in the evocative workrooms set around a porticoed courtyard. The museum was closed for restoration on my last visit, so call ahead before going.