Ahmed Karahisari
Ahmed Şemseddîn;Ahmed Karahisari;Ahmed Şemseddin
Place: Karahisar
Born: 1468
Biography:
Ahmed Karahisari, also known as Ahmed Şemseddîn, was a renowned Ottoman calligrapher born in Karahisar, Turkey in 1468 or 1469. He is considered one of the most important Ottoman calligraphers, along with Sheikh Hamdullah and Hâfiz Osman. Ahmed Karahisari's work can be found in various museums, including the Topkapi Palace and the Museum of Istanbul, which are part of the Ottoman Period Art Movement.
Early Life and Education
Ahmed Karahisari went to Istanbul for his education and remained there for the rest of his life. After completing his Sufi scholarship, he took the chanting order. His calligraphy master is unclear, with some sources stating that it was Yahyâ Sufî, while others claim it was Esadullah-ı Kirmânî. Ahmed Karahisari's style was unique and did not follow the traditional Ottoman calligraphy style of Sheikh Hamdullah. Instead, he sought to reinvigorate the style of the Abbasid calligrapher, Yaqut al-Musta'simi, which had dominated Islamic calligraphy prior to Hamdullah's innovations.
Artistic Style and Innovations
Ahmed Karahisari improved the best examples of Thuluth and Naskh scripts. His style was not widely accepted, but he is considered one of the three most important Ottoman calligraphers along with Sheikh Hamdullah and Hâfiz Osman. Among his followers, his student Hasan Çelebi was renowned as much as himself. The painting style of the Ottoman Period art movement, which Ahmed Karahisari was a part of, can be seen in the works of other artists such as Osman Hamdi Bey and Şeker Ahmed Paşa.
Notable Works and Legacy
Some of the most impressive Mus'hafs prepared in the Ottoman Palace Studios have been attributed to Ahmed Karahisari. His most important work is the Mus'haf which he penned for Suleiman the Magnificent, which is preserved today at the Topkapi Palace. Other examples of his work are held in the Topkapi Museum and the Museum of Istanbul. Ahmed Karahisari's legacy can be seen in the calligraphic albums and calligraphy exercises that are part of the Ilkhanid Art Movement.
