Deen Arts Foundation
Welcome to the Deen Arts Foundation Student Gallery
About Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
Master Illumnation and Tezhip Artist
Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin was born in Istanbul (b.1988) and graduated from European Islamic University Faculty of Islamic Sciences in 2012 and Anadolu University Open Education Faculty of Theology in 2016.
Fatma continued her education with her husband Shahryanshah Sirajuddin in Riq’a and Diwani scripts until 2015, when she decided to focus on illumination with Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak.
During the summer of the pandemic, Fatma Hoca joined the Deen Arts team and began teaching students the art of Islamic manuscript illumination, or tezhip. Fatma Hoca is fluent in Turkish and Malay.
Shahanshah Sirajuddin and Fatma Ulusoy Hocas continue to produce magnificent works of illumination and calligraphy together in Istanbul.
A statement from Tezhip Master Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
Art stands as the pinnacle of human expression, an endeavor that holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims who believe that Allah cherishes beauty. For a Muslim artist, the mission is sacred: to embellish Allah's created beauty in the most exquisite manner possible. The role of an artist is to enhance the intricate work of calligraphers, creating a harmonious symphony that celebrates the aesthetic essence of Islam.
To be a Tezhip artist is a profound blessing. In the past, the option of online learning was nonexistent. The initial challenges were daunting, but today we witness the fruits of our labor. The success of online learning is a collective achievement, a result of the unwavering effort, hard work, and passion for learning displayed by the students. Witnessing these students ascend to the level of mastery is nothing short of impressive.
The journey of the past 2-3 years has culminated in a remarkable achievement - a composition centered around the "remembrance of Allah" and Dhikr. Each student brings his or her unique tezhip expression to this theme, showcasing the incredible richness and versatility inherent in this art form.
I am privileged and honored to have played a role in guiding these students on their journey to make the Qalam (Pen) of Allah more exquisite, Alhamdulillah.
The inherent beauty of the Qalam of Allah is awe-inspiring on its own, yet the act of adorning it brings a profound sense of satisfaction.
Presenting these masterpieces to the audience in the United States is a source of great joy, as it allows others to feel the serenity encapsulated within them. Heartfelt gratitude goes to the Deen Arts Foundation and their dedicated team for orchestrating this exhibition, emphasizing the importance of learning and revitalizing Islamic arts. May this endeavor continue to inspire and enrich the appreciation of the divine beauty encapsulated in these sacred artistic expressions.
Tezhip Master Class Student Gallery
Amina Ali
Amina is a student of Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca since 2020, and is based in Dallas, TX
‘Divine Remembrance’
Calligraphy written by Şahryanşah Sirajuddin Hoca
‘واذكر ربك كثيرا’
Translation- ‘…And remember your Lord often…’ 3:41
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
Painted on a 30cmx30cm matte board using 24k gold, 18k gold, gouache, and ink
I hope this piece inspires one to be in constant remembrance of our Lord. The illustration of a single tulip is an ode to the Turkish culture and history: only one tulip grows from a single tulip bulb which represents the oneness of Allah (swt). The repeated designs and circular patterns in the illumination are a reminder that while doing any task, one can be in a continuous state of remembrance of Allah (swt). As our Lord also states, ‘They are those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth ˹and pray˺, “Our Lord! You have not created ˹all of˺ this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.’ (3:191)
Mona Raja
Mona is from Houston Texas . She has practiced Tezhip under the guidance of Hoca Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin since 2021.
“REMEMBRANCE عبادت “
وَلَذِكۡرُ ٱللَّهِ أَكۡبَرُۗ
SURAH ANKABUT Ayat 45
Recite, [O Muhammad], what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing,
“and the remembrance of Allah is greater. “
And Allah knows that which you do.
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
And Allah’s remembrance is of even greater merit. This verse reminds the believers that it is the best of acts: no act of man is greater in value than this.
Painted on 32cm by 32cm on hand-finished mat board with 24K and 18K real Gold, acrylic inks, gouache, and watercolors. Ottoman traditional classic tezhip around Arabic calligraphy on a black background.
My design inspiration came from the verse itself. The blue and black colors were chosen to evoke the vastness or greatness of the sea and space respectively. The circular calligraphy mimics our planet with the color of sea, flora, and fauna in tezhip ending in rays and clouds ( Buluts ). The whole composition tries to depict Allah’s creations and evoke His remembrance in the believer’s heart.
Razzan Alagraa
Razzan is from Doha Qatar. She has been studying tezhip under Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca since 2020.
Gratitude
وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ
And remember God’s blessings
سورة آل عمران
(Aal-i-Imraan, Ayah 103)
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
36cm x 36cm
24k and 18k gold, gouache, and ink.
This ayah is a reminder for the believer to recognize the blessings of Allah, yet His blessings cannot be enumerated. The following ayah from surat Al Baqara further inspired this design, which states:
هُوَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ لَكُم مَّا فِي الْأَرْضِ جَمِيعًا
It is He who created for all that is on the earth.
(Surah Al Baqara, Ayah 29)
The use of leaves and flowers in this illumination design represents the grandeur of Allah’s blessings in nature. If one could count every leaf on every tree from the start of the creation of this world until the end, we would still not approach a level of gratitude deserving of Allah’s blessings upon us. The leaves point upwards to the heavens in a form that mimics our hands when supplicating to Allah. May Allah always guide us to be of those who are consistently in remembrance and gratitude to Him. Ameen.
Sadaf Maqdsood
Sadaf Maqsood is a tezhip artist and a student of Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca since 2020, residing in Dallas, TX.
The word is chosen from Surah Al Anfal Ayah 45
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا لَقِيتُمۡ فِئَةٗ فَٱثۡبُتُواْ وَٱذۡكُرُواْ ٱللَّهَ كَثِيرٗا لَّعَلَّكُمۡ تُفۡلِحُون
Translation from Al-Maududi Ibne Kathir (8:45)
Believers! When you encounter a host in battle, stand firm and remember Allah much that you may triumph
This ayah mentions that O You who believe! When you meet a force, be firm, and call Allah in remembrance much (and often); that you may prosper.
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
Painted on a 30cm x 30cm matboard using 24k gold, 18k gold, gouache, and ink.
Safira Ali
Safira Ali is a tezhip artist and a student of Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca since 2020, and Ayse Gulcan Ozbalak Hoca. She is based in Leicester, United Kingdom
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
Tezhip painted on a 40cm x 40cm matte board using 23k gold, 18k gold, gouache and ink.
The tezhip is inspired by flowers, representing the beauty and perfection of nature and seen as reflections of the Divine.
By cultivating and appreciating flowers, they serve as a reminder of Allah’s (swt) creation.
The Quran highlights the intricate design of nature, including flowers, as signs of Allah’s existence and power.
For example, in Surah Ar Rum (30;37-38), it is mentioned:
“Do they not see that Allah causes creation, then repeats it? Indeed, that is easy for Allah. Say. ‘Travel through the land and observe how He began creation. Then Allah will produce the final creation. Indeed Allah, over all things, is competent.’”
By incorporating these flowers alongside the calligraphy, I wanted to compliment the beauty of the words, and be in remembrance of Allah.
Salwa Medani
Salwa Medani is a Tezhip artist and student of Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca. She has been a Tezhip student since 2020 and is based in Virginia, USA.
Allah’s Blessings
لَقَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا مُوسَىٰ بِـَٔايَـٰتِنَآ أَنْ أَخْرِجْ قَوْمَكَ مِنَ ٱلظُّلُمَـٰتِ إِلَى ٱلنُّورِ وَذَكِّرْهُم بِأَيَّىٰمِ ٱللَّهِ إِنَّ فِى ذَٰلِكَ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍ لِّكُلِّ صَبَّارٍ شَكُورٍ- إبراهيم: 5
(Indeed, We sent Moses with Our signs, “Lead your people out of darkness and into light, and remind them of Allah’s days (of favor).” Surely in this are signs for whoever is steadfast, grateful.) (14:5)
Calligraphy – Shahrayanshah Sirajuddin
Painted on 30cm x 30m matt board with 24k and 18k gold, gouache, and ink.
The tezhip was inspired by ayah 5 in Surah Ibrahim, particularly “…remind them of Allah’s days (favors)…” which is a reminder of Allah’s bounties and favors that He bestowed upon Moses and his people.
The design is a representation of Allah’s endless bounties that we need to observe, appreciate and thank Him for. We are surrounded by an abundance of vegetation on the surface of the Earth and hidden treasures under its surface. However, we need to remember, remind others, to delve deeper into our souls, to see with our hearts all the blessings that Allah has given us. The variety of leaves, the heart, and the precious stone all represent this meaning. The S shaped zençerek reminds us to protect these bounties by giving thanks to Allah every moment of our lives. The overall design is like a flower, a reminder that life blossoms with Allah’s blessings, but at the same time it is short, so we need to haste to give thanks to The Bountiful One, The Total Provider, The Grateful.
Samreen Wahedna
Samreen Ahad Wahedna is from Karachi, Pakistan. She practiced Tezhip under Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca for 3 years and now continues to learn from her teacher's teacher, Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak Hoca.
Dhikr
وَاذْكُرُوهُ كَمَا هَدَاكُمْ
‘Remember Him as He guides you.'
Calligraphy – Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca
Ayah 198 of Surah Al-Baqarah accentuates the value of Dhikr, how it transforms the heart of a believer and brings him closer to the mercy of Allah.
Allah says in the Quran,'On that day you will see believing men and women with their light shining ahead of them and on their right. They will be told, "Today you have the good news of the Gardens, under which rivers flow, to stay in forever." This is ultimate triumph.'(57:12)
Painted on 36cm by 36cm matt board with 24k and 18k gold, gouache, water colours and ink. The illumination shows a symbolic representation of the heart of a believer. Zencerek surrounding the calligraphy with an extended end, emphasizes on holding firmly onto the rope of Allah. The gold Rumi pattern stand for the matters of the heart, the interlacing voluntary and involuntary thoughts and triumph of positivity. The flower bouquets represent the good news of Paradise given to a believer, the ultimate manifestation of His generosity, the most blissful place