Catalogue of Award-Winning Plates in the Twelfth International Calligraphy Competition in the Name of Calligrapher Mustafa Râkım (1171-1241 H. / 1758-1826 A.D.)
Prepared by Said Kasımoğlu, Istanbul: IRCICA; 2022.
Islamic Cultural Heritage series; no. 5, 104, [4] p., col. ill.; 33x24cm.
(English, Arabic, Turkish, French)
ISBN: 9789290634072
In line with IRCICA’s tradition to dedicate each round of the competition to an important master of this art, the twelfth round was dedicated to Mustafa Rākım (1758-1826), who contributed to the advancement of this art with innovations in measures and composition, particularly in the Jaly Thuluth style. Mustafa Rākım was also a painter. Sultan Selim III appreciated a painting made by him and invited him to have his portrait made. He was granted the title of müderris (professor), and also assigned with designing coins and writing tughras (monograms). Later Rākım taught Thuluth and Jaly Thuluth calligraphy to Sultan Mahmud II. He produced works in these styles and also in Taliq, writing Jaly inscriptions on monuments and tombstones. As was customary among Ottoman scholarly circles, he was granted the title of Kadı (Judge) of Izmir in his honor. Obtaining several promotions over time, he was finally, in 1823, appointed Kadıasker (Chief Judge) of Anatolia with full status.
The catalogue contains reproductions of the works that won the first three prizes and the mentions in each category. It is a valuable record and a souvenir of the competition, and will also be of interest to learners and appreciators of this art. The present, and earlier, catalogues of the competition can be requested from IRCICA.