(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Qatar Museums (QM) is holding a major exhibition, titled 'Contemporary Calligraphy Mehmet Cebi Collection, at the QM Gallery Al Riwaq.
Taking place until June 17, the exhibition brings together a selection of intricate calligraphic artworks dating from the 1960s to the present day.
A VIP opening event was held yesterday.
Presented by Qatar Museums under the leadership of its chairperson, HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani, the exhibition 'one of the finest collections of its kind features more than 200 works, collected by renowned Turkish expert Mehmet Cebi.
'Contemporary Calligraphy Mehmet Cebi Collection focuses on two traditions renowned for their glorification of the beauty of Islam through art.
The first is an assortment of Hilye-i Serif (the Noble Hilye), a form of classic calligraphic art.
The second is a collection of tesbih (prayer beads), used for ruminative prayer.
Hilye-i Serif is a form of the tradition of calligraphic expression that originated in Turkey.
It is believed that the art of hilye first emerged in Istanbul in the 17th century under the influence of the great Ottoman calligrapher Haf?z Osman.
Such artwork is usually characterised by panelled structures featuring the main text of the prayer or exaltation in a circular central medallion surrounded by various smaller rectangular or circular panels.
QM chief strategic planning officer Khalid al-Ibrahim said: 'We are excited to showcase one of the finest collections of calligraphic art in the world at the QM Gallery Al Riwaq. Calligraphy is a major form of artistic expression in Islamic culture and history, and highlights our commitment at Qatar Museums' to educate and inspire visitors and develop engaged cultural audiences and creators.
The exhibition reflects the importance of Cebi's vision in developing the collection, which is to deepen understanding and appreciation for the art form around the world.
Cebi is the founder of the world's first Noble Hilya and Prayer Beads Museum in Suleymaniye-Istanbul, and has been developing his collection related to classical calligraphy and Noble Hilya with a contemporary approach since the 1990s.
His collections have been exhibited in more than 30 venues in Turkey and abroad.
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