Continuing His Lifelong Passion for Calligraphy with the Same Excitement as the First Day

Hüseyin Öksüz, who crossed paths with a world-famous calligrapher while studying pharmacy, raised dozens of students and signed many successful works with his art, which he continued with the excitement of the first day for years.

After completing his primary and secondary education in Konya, calligrapher Öksüz started to study pharmacy in Istanbul in 1966 and started to take lessons from the world-renowned calligrapher Hamid Aytaç in 1968 while continuing his education.

Öksüz, who found himself in calligraphy, continued his calligraphy art while working as a pharmacist when he returned to his hometown Konya.

Having received 5 awards including the first place in the world in the international competition organized by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (IRCICA), opening exhibitions at home and abroad, receiving certificates and plaques from various organizations, Öksüz wants to teach his art to others and transfer it to future generations.

Öksüz said that while he was living in a student house in Istanbul, where he was studying for university, he went to the mosque near their home with his friends, and said:

"When I saw the plates in the mosque, I would take out pen and paper and while the teacher was preaching, I would try to draw the plates there. I met Hamid through a friend. Hamid hoca was one of the world-renowned teachers. I studied for 11-12 years from Hamid Hoca. Pharmacy was finished in four years, but calligraphy took a long time. Hamid Aytaç hoca insisted, "Don't leave writing, my son." 'Teacher, I'm married. Our whole order is in Konya. That's why I have to go.' 'Then you write, my child, send me a letter. I'll write and send a letter.'"

Referring to the fact that an international competition was held in memory of his master Hamid Aytaç after his death, Öksüz said, "I became the first in the world there. This competition fueled interest in calligraphy. Interest has increased a lot. Calligraphers multiplied. Now, competitions are held at the international level in 5-6 countries in the world."

Explaining that one of his contributions to calligraphy is to educate students, Öksüz said that he has trained about 50 students and that his students from both Turkey and other countries have received awards worldwide today.

Explaining that one of his contributions to calligraphy is to educate students, Öksüz said that he has trained about 50 students and that his students from both Turkey and other countries have received awards worldwide today.