Seyyid Kasim Gubari

Seyyid Kasim Gubari of Diyarbakır was a 17th-century Ottoman artist, noted for his poetic writing and calligraphy. He is celebrated as one of the most accomplished calligraphers of his time and decorated a number of important public buildings including the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Seyyid Kasim Gubari
Islamic calligraphy on the dome and interior of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Born
Ottoman Empire
Died1615/1616
Ottoman Empire
Known forIslamic calligraphy
MovementThuluth and Naskh

Life and work

Seyyid Kasim Gubari's date of birth is not known, but he lived in Diyarbakır in south-eastern (modern day) Turkey on the banks of the Tigris River. He was a direct descendant of the prophet, Mohammed which entitled him to use the appellation Seyyid.[1] Born Cherif 'Abdallah, he was given the nickname of Gubari (or Ghobâri) because according to legend, he wrote, in ghobar writing, an entire chapter of the Q'ran, consisting of four verses and fifteen words, on a single grain of rice.[2]

He was originally known for his poetic writing and took up calligraphy and decorative inscription sometime later. He responsible for much of the calligraphy in the dome of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the "Blue Mosque") in Istanbul. He was also commissioned to write verses from the Quran throughout the mosque.[3] He was celebrated as one of the greatest calligraphers of his day.[4]

He died in 1615/1616 and is buried near the tomb of Eyyub.[5]

See also

References
  1. Hueseyin Ayvansaray-i, H., The Garden of the Mosques: Hafiz Hüseyin Al-Ayvansarayî's Guide to the Muslim Monuments of Ottoman Istanbul Brill, 2000, p. 22
  2. Huart, C., Les Calligraphes et les Miniaturistes de l'Orient Musulman, 1972, p. 123 Digital copy (in French)-
  3. "The Blue Mosque", National Geographic, Online:; "Architecture of the [Blue] Mosque, Online"
  4. "The Blue Mosque: Jewel of Istanbul" The Miracle, 17 March 2017, Online:
  5. Hueseyin Ayvansaray-i, H., The Garden of the Mosques: Hafiz Hüseyin Al-Ayvansarayî's Guide to the Muslim Monuments of Ottoman Istanbul Brill, 2000, p. 22
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