Contemporary Calligraphy – Mehmet Çebi Collection

The first was an assortment of Hilye-i Şerif (The Noble Hilya), a form of classic calligraphic art. The second was a collection of tesbih (prayer beads), used for ruminative prayer.

Collected by renowned Turkish expert Mehmet Çebi, more than 200 pieces will feature in the exhibition, which brought together what is widely acknowledged to be one of the finest collections of its kind, anywhere in the world. 

Mehmet Çebi 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 to this traditional art form since the 1990s. His collections have been exhibited in more than 30 venues in Turkey and abroad.

Contemporary Calligraphy – Mehmet Çebi Collection will reflect the importance of calligraphy as a major form of artistic expression in Islamic cultures and highlight Qatar Museums’ commitment to building bridges of understanding between cultures through organising broad and varied exhibitions and programmes that celebrate art, heritage and creativity. Mehmet Çebi’s vision in developing the collection was to deepen understanding and appreciation for the art form around the world.