Sura Yasin: Heart of the Quran by Hüseyin Kutlu
Hüseyin Kutlu
Born in Konya in 1949, he enrolled in Istanbul University’s Philosophy Department in 1968. To support his studies, he served as a preacher in Eskişehir from 1968 to 1972. After graduating in 1974, he received an ijazah in sülüs and nesih calligraphy from Hâmid Aytaç and studied ta’lik under Uğur Derman. From 1976 to 2002, he served as an imam-hatip at Hekimoğlu Ali Paşa Mosque, dedicating himself to restoring its role as a center of Turkish-Islamic civilization. He led efforts to revive the mosque and its surrounding structures, including the library, tomb, and fountain.
After retiring in 2002, he continued his mission to promote the mosque as the heart of Islamic culture. He also taught calligraphy (hüsn-i hat), art seminars, and Ottoman Turkish. A prolific calligrapher, his works have been featured in albums and collections, and his designs adorn architectural projects in Turkey and abroad. Since 1975, he has granted ijazah to 81 students, many of whom are now prominent calligraphers and educators, ensuring the preservation of this sacred art. His life’s work reflects his deep commitment to Islamic art, culture, and education.