Calligraphy book by Islamic scholar seized

ISPARTA - Doğan News Agency

Governor Memduh Oğuz says the calligraphy book has particular value. DHA photo

A 500-year-old book of calligraphy written by Ottoman scholar İbrahim Halebi was found Jan. 9 during an operation to prevent the smuggling of historical artifacts. According to Isparta Governor Memduh Oğuz, the book, titled “Minyetül Müssali Hanefi Fıkhı,” is of particular value and significance due to its critiques of the famous Islamic scholar İbn-I Arabi.

“The criticisms about the thoughts of İbn-I Arabi increases the significance of the book, which is a treasure,” he said, adding that the book was obtained through an organized police operation during which one person was taken into custody.

“The most important original work of the Ottoman scholar Halebi was seized by the police department. This work about the Hanafi fiqh is also very important in terms of our national culture. Some nations want to create their own history with such a work. Not only its content but also its preparation, way of writing and presentation shows the civilized level of our nation,” Oğuz said.

The book will be examined by scientists and delivered to a museum.