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Calligrapher Hafiz Osman Efendi Explains Himself
and Other Calligraphers, Hilye-i Sheriff
Written by: Hamza ASLAN / Translated by: Nurcan KAYA
Some artist’s, from sultan to boatman, have been valued while they were alive; yet some were valued many years
after, or not even valued at all. Calligrapher Osman Efendi was one of the former. Calligrapher, whose calligraphy
and hilye-i sheriffs were passed on, even revered by sultans, says: “Being a servant for a saint is the best.” and
has been a source of inspiration for other calligraphers for centuries.
Seyyid Ibrahim Sukuti’s freeform styled Hilye-i Sheriff, 19th century.
In the mid 17th century, on a stormy day, one of the
time’s master calligraphers Hafiz Osman Efendi gets
on a boat to go to Beşiktaş. After all the chatting, the
boats docks at Beşiktaş. As usual, the boatman asks
for payment. But since Hafiz Osman Efendi left his house
in a hurry, he forgot his money. “I’ve forgotten
my wallet at my poor home. I’d write you a ‘vav’, so
you can take it to an antiquarian, who will then give
you your payment.” There’s a Turkish proverb, “Whoever
falls into the sea will hold onto a snake (to survive)”.
The boatman remembers this proverb, and understands
that there is no other option. He says OK.
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