Renowned Calligraphy Master Hasan Celebi Passes Away at 88
Born in 1937 in Erzurum, eastern Türkiye, Celebi dedicated his life to the traditional art of calligraphy, a revered Islamic practice of ornate handwriting. He was acclaimed by The Washington Post as "one of the most celebrated masters of classical Ottoman calligraphy style."
According to Anadolu Agency, his most recent works include the calligraphic inscriptions for Istanbul’s Grand Camlica Mosque and Malaysia’s Sri Sendayan Mosque. Over the years, his contributions to calligraphy have adorned mosques around the world, leaving an indelible mark on sacred spaces.
One of Celebi’s notable students, American calligrapher Mohammed Zakariya, has carried forward his legacy by teaching and lecturing in both the United States and the Middle East.
The news of Celebi’s passing was shared by former Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca, who posted on social media: "Our master Hasan Celebi has departed for the eternal realm. Each of his works was a precious gift to our civilization."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences in a message on X, offering sympathy to Celebi’s family, students, and admirers.
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism also paid tribute, stating: "Celebi left his mark on mosques across the world with his exquisite calligraphy. From Sultanahmet (Istanbul’s Blue Mosque) to the Grand Camlica Mosque, from Malaysia’s Sri Sendayan Mosque to many other masterpieces, his signature adorned sacred spaces. Beyond his own works, he passed his art down through generations by training numerous students." The ministry also recalled honoring him as a "Living Human Treasure" in 2010.
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Celebi studied under distinguished calligraphers Hamid Aytac and Kemal Batanay, refining his expertise and expanding his influence beyond Türkiye. His calligraphic works, mosque inscriptions, and exhibitions earned him international recognition.
Having mentored nearly 100 students worldwide, Celebi is regarded as the most influential calligraphy master since Hamid Aytac, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Islamic calligraphy.
Source: Agencies
