Hilye-i Şerîf 

Mustafa Rakim created this Hilye-i Şerîf, a calligraphic panel, using the Ottoman Turkish script. It’s filled with swirling Arabic calligraphy, framed by decorative borders, all pointing to the central oval text. The Hilya tradition emerged as a visual expression of love for the Prophet Muhammad, since representational images are discouraged in Islam. Instead, his virtues are rendered in exquisite script, transforming text into an icon. The visual power of calligraphy creates a profound emotional connection with the divine. Think of the way medieval illuminated manuscripts were venerated, not just for their content, but for their beauty. The written word, especially when artfully presented, transcends its literal meaning. The Hilye, like the Christian icon, becomes a sacred object, embodying faith and inviting contemplation. This panel shows the non-linear journey of symbols, continuously evolving through cultural memory and taking new forms across time.