Iraqi calligrapher dreams of recreating works in Hagia Sophia

Nehro Kadir Rashid is carrying out work both in Sulaymaniyah and abroad to revive the art of calligraphy in Iraq and teach it to new generations.

Among the plans of 47-year-old Rashid, who has a keen interest in calligraphy works dating back to the Ottoman era, is to recreate the calligraphy works in the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in accordance with their original form.

HE VOLUNTEERS TO TEACH THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN CALLIGRAPHY

In a statement to an AA reporter, Rashid said that he has been developing himself in this field for 30 years and practicing the art of calligraphy and fine writing, which is on the verge of being forgotten.

Noting that he also teaches calligraphy, Rashid stated that he voluntarily gives lessons to everyone from beginners to those at an expert level in this art.

Rashid mentioned that he has participated in various international competitions, including in Turkey, and has also produced a calligraphy work in Qatar.

HIS DREAM IS TO RECREATE THE CALLIGRAPHY WORKS IN HAGIA SOPHIA

Emphasizing that the art of calligraphy experienced its golden age during the Ottoman Empire, Rashid said, "There should be details regarding taste and colors in this art. Islamic arts have their own unique colors. I mostly use warm colors. Islamic art always uses its own colors."

Rashid stated that he has recreated the works of some great calligraphers of the Ottoman era, but that he preserves the artists' signatures in his works in order to create a piece that is faithful to the original.

The Iraqi calligrapher said the following regarding his future plans:

"God willing, in the future, I am thinking of creating the largest calligraphy panel found in the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a marvel of engineering and design. Currently, the largest calligraphy script is in the Hagia Sophia Mosque. I am thinking of recreating this. I will transfer these relics exactly as they are. This is a moral responsibility."

News Source: 12punto