Husam Matar
Husam Al-Matar, born in 1977, is of Swedish nationality and resides in Sweden
holds a master’s degree in Arabic calligraphy, An expert in manuscripts.
Graphic Designer & Photographyer.
He learned the art of Arabic Calligraphy, inspired by the classic masters’ school,
referring to their books, amshāq
and muraqqa’āt that were exhibited at museums.
As a six-year-old, he started copying the works of Hashem al-Baghdadi.
He studied the styles of genius Mehmed Şevki Efendi, Mahmud Celaleddin Efendi, and Hâfiz Osman.
For over two decades, he has copied Şevki’s amshāq of thulth and naskh scripts. In addition,
he lettered juz’ 29 (tabāraka), juz’ 30 (‘amma), Ya Sīn chapter, as well as many parts of the Mus’haf.
Not only Şevki Efendi’s style did he follow in his Qur’anic works, but also that of Sheikh Hamdullah al-Amasi
and Hâfiz Osman, when he lettered other copies of juz’ 30 (‘amma).
Husam al-Matar is licensed with ijazah in Arabic Calligraphy Art by master calligraphers
Obaida Banki and Davud Bektaş. The ceremony took place in 2007 at the Research Centre for Islamic History,
Art and Culture (IRCICA) in Istanbul, under supervision of Prof. Ekmeleddin İhsanoğlu and Dr. Halit Eren.
He taught the art and history of Calligraphy and Islamic Arts in Syria and Turkey.
He also delivered several lectures and workshops in many countries around the world.
Gave many lectures on lettering scripts of Mus’haf, their complications and aesthetics.
Taught Islamic Arts at the Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre for more than four years. Many students graduated
thanks to him.
Taught tools techniques, preparation of muqahhar paper, pens, and traditional inks. He wrote many articles
in this concern.
lectures on arts in Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden.
He lettered many book titles at the Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre and Huroof Arabiya journal.
He also designed numerous logos worldwide.
He is working on a book project “Mashq of Thuluth and Naskh Scripts: Mehmed Şevki’s Method”.
And he is preparing to print “Juz’ Amma in Naskh Script”.