Turkish calligrapher demonstrates at Taipei book fair
A renowned Turkish calligrapher will demonstrate his art at the 2014 Taipei International Book Exhibition (TIBE), which runs from February 5th-10th.
The art of calligraphy in Turkey dates back more than 800 years. It is written mostly with flat-balled or round-nibbed pens, differing from Chinese calligraphy, which mainly employs a brush technique.
Calligrapher Aydin Cayir, from Istanbul, was invited to the book fair by the Anatolia Formosa Association (AFA), a group that promotes cultural and academic exchanges between Taiwan and Turkey. He will provide a live calligraphy demonstration in the booth of CNA, one of Taiwan's biggest media outlets. Visitors to the booth can submit their names, and Cayir will transform them into unique calligraphic signatures in a minute or less.
Born in 1970, Cayir has studied calligraphy for more than 30 years, and holds a Master's degree in pedagogy from the University of Marmara, the second-largest university in Turkey.
Speaking about learning calligraphy, he recalled that «I felt I had this talent since I was quite young, but the turning point was to meet Master Muhlis Uslu when I was 16 years old.»
Explaining that he followed and learned traditional calligraphy from Uslu for four years, Cayir said he absorbed knowledge and experience during that period, which gave him more confidence to move forward with his life goals.
He not only practices traditional calligraphy, but blends traditional Arabic calligraphy with the Latin alphabet, as well as elements of graphic art. He has also cooperated with a Chinese calligrapher to create new works, and is trying to merge Spanish poetry and varied arts with his calligraphy to create a new style.
In order to introduce Turkey's calligraphic art, he has traveled to more than 30 countries for lectures and workshops, serving as an unofficial cultural ambassador for his country and working with the Turkish government to send calligraphic signatures to the presidents of other countries, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton.
While Cayir has visited Taiwan before, he told CNA that this is the first time he has participated in the TIBE, one of the biggest book exhibitions in Asia.
The 45-year-old artist will be at the CNA booth (B1234) from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day during the fair.
Turkish calligrapher demonstrates at Taipei book fairSource: focustaiwan.tw