In 2022, we offered our first intensive Naskh course with our teacher Deniz Öktem Bektaş. During those 15 weeks, our students were introduced to the full Naskh script curriculum starting with the alphabet to connecting letters to connecting words to writing short sentences.

The intensive courses are a great opportunity not only to learn the fundamentals of a script but also to understand the pedagogical approach in Islamic Calligraphy. Our goal is to serve as a bridge to connect serious students to masters of the art. As one must study directly under a master to earn his/her icazet (diploma). And a few of our students from the intensive course took that path and decided to continue their studies one-on-one with Deniz hoca (teacher). We are sharing the story of two of those students that have continued to progress on their journey (Read Part 2: Q&A with Nada Gharib).

Selma Lelic is one of our students who recently moved on to study with Deniz hoca. I recently reached out to Selma to learn about her experience with Arabic calligraphy.

Selma is originally from Bosnia. She graduated from DePaul University. Selma lives in Chicago and works as an accountant.

What inspired you to study Arabic calligraphy?

I always enjoyed the physical act of writing and anything that involves pens and ink. My brother introduced me to Arabic calligraphy. I went to a calligraphy conference in DC last May and got inspired after joining a couple of workshops, meeting some very interesting people including Deniz Hoca, and seeing the beautiful works that were displayed there. Afterward, I delved into books with beautiful calligraphy by various master calligraphers from the past. The text is the fundamental reference point in Islamic culture and exploring calligraphy was a way to connect with that tradition.

You just finished an intensive online course, how was your experience studying calligraphy with Deniz hoca? Did your initial view about calligraphy, in general, change after taking this class, if so, how?

It was extremely rewarding. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to learn from Deniz Hoca. I expected it to be challenging, partly because I had very little exposure to the Arabic script before. What I hadn’t fully appreciated until this course was the extent to which calligraphy requires practice and dedication. The Nesih script involves such precise and nuanced maneuvering of the pen. Practicing the letters takes a lot of concentration. Unlike anything else in my daily life, it provided the opportunity to be completely focused on something. It gave me the gift of absorption. 

What is your next goal with this art? 

My next goal is to learn the alphabet and the letter connections with the help of Deniz Hoca. 

Finally, what advice would you give to someone who is completely new to this art?

I would say what Deniz Hoca tells us, which is to be patient with yourself. It takes time and effort to see progress and consistent practice is so important. I am still learning this myself. Also, exploring different works of master calligraphers in books, museums, etc. is a great source of inspiration.