Artist Volunteers to Decorate Mosques in Turkey’s Van with Calligraphic Verses of Quran

Artist Volunteers to Decorate Mosques in Turkey’s Van with Calligraphic Verses of Quran
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A Turkish calligrapher, Mehmet Emin Deniz, has voluntarily decorated the walls of 20 mosques in Van, eastern Turkey, with Quranic verses and traditional motifs over the past two years, Iqna reported. At 55, Deniz, a father of four from the Ipekyolu district, developed an interest in the art of nakkaslık—ornamental Islamic calligraphy—during middle school and refined his skills over time.

Since retiring, Deniz has dedicated himself to beautifying mosque interiors across the city. Working without formal training, he uses only a pencil, brush, and paint, drawing verses and patterns freehand. He collaborates with mosque imams to select appropriate Quranic verses, which he also translates into Turkish beneath the calligraphy for better understanding.

Supported by friends and charitable donors, Deniz has helped renew windows, doors, and paintwork alongside his calligraphy. Yeni Çarşı Mosque’s imam, Mehmet Sait Yavuzer, praised Deniz’s work for enhancing the spiritual atmosphere, noting the congregation’s positive response. Deniz plans to continue restoring and decorating mosques in Van’s city center.