Analysis of Sheikh Hamdullah Muraqqas in Istanbul University Rare Works Library in terms of calligraphy

Composed of qıt'as written in various forms by calligraphers, muraqqas are one of the most important elements in the art of calligraphy. Exceptionally beautiful calligraphies are patched together in one volume to produce these works that have become one of the most essential pieces in collections. Since they are produced and bound with special techniques, muraqqas enable the works to be preserved and inherited from generation to generation. Sheikh Hamdullah, known as the father of Ottoman calligraphy, had scribed a wide range of qıt'as that were collected together as muraqqas. Born in Amasya, Sheikh Hamdullah received education from wise masters. He contributed to the calligraphy style he had learned from his teacher Hayreddin Mar'ashi, and he educated so many students. Furthermore, he gave calligraphy lessons to Prince Beyazid in Amasya. He came to Istanbul upon Sultan's invitation after Beyazid the Second ascended to the throne. Continuing his art in Istanbul, Sheikh Hamdullah achieved to develop a new style in thuluth and naskh. Among the manuscripts he wrote there are lots of copies of Qur'an Al Kareem, juzs, Surah An'am, scholarly works, prayers, qıt'as and muraqqas. Several muraqqas of Sheikh Hamdullah are at the Istanbul University Rare Works Library.