Calligrapher Ahmet Hüsrev Koyuncu promotes traditional art in Van

Ahmet Hüsrev Koyuncu, an imam and calligrapher at the historic Hüsrev Paşa Mosque, is working to preserve and promote the traditional Islamic art of calligraphy (hüsn-i hat) in Van, Turkey.

Operating from an atelier in the historic Bedesten Bazaar, Koyuncu, who also serves as the President of the Van Ancient Traditional Arts Association, noted that while the art form initially faced public misunderstanding, interest has grown significantly. He highlighted that many of his former students have now begun teaching others, expanding the reach of the craft.

Koyuncu is also researching the region's artistic heritage, noting that historical records indicate Van produced 11 world-renowned calligraphers during the Ottoman era who authored various manuscripts and copies of the Quran.