Turkish calligrapher beautifies 20 mosques in Van with Quranic verses
Retired artist Mehmet Emin Deniz volunteers to preserve traditional Islamic art across local mosques
VAN, Türkiye (MNTV) — A retired Turkish artist has adorned the interiors of 20 mosques in the eastern city of Van with hand-drawn Quranic verses and traditional Islamic motifs, reviving a centuries-old art form while volunteering his time and talent to serve the local community.
According to Daily Sabah, Mehmet Emin Deniz, 55, a father of four from the Ipekyolu district, has been practicing nakkaşlık — the Islamic art of ornamental calligraphy and design — since his middle school years.
Over the past two years, he has dedicated himself to enhancing the spiritual and visual ambiance of mosques across the city, using only a pencil, brush, and paint.
“I didn’t receive any formal education in this art,” Deniz explained. “But I kept sketching whenever I could. After I retired, I wanted to use my skills to both preserve our heritage and help mosques that needed visual renewal.”
Deniz personally visits each mosque to identify areas in need of improvement. With support from friends and donors, he not only embellishes walls with verses but also helps renew windows, doors, and paintwork.
The selected Quranic verses are chosen in consultation with mosque imams, and their Turkish translations are included to enhance understanding for worshippers.
“I never use stencils or rulers,” he said. “I draw the designs freehand, first with a pencil, then I paint over them. I carry my bag through the city, visiting mosques, and doing what I can to support each one.”
The artist’s work has been warmly welcomed by both imams and congregants.
Mehmet Sait Yavuzer, imam of the Yeni Çarşı Mosque, praised Deniz’s efforts: “Brother Emin came to us requesting permission to decorate the interior. We selected the verses together, and he hand-painted them on the walls.
The atmosphere of the mosque changed completely, and the community responded very positively. May Allah reward him.”
Deniz says he intends to continue the initiative and hopes to eventually bring his calligraphic work to every mosque in Van that is in need of aesthetic renewal.
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