Deen Arts Foundation South Africa is dedicated to the traditional pedagogy of the Ijaazah system, which has preserved the Islamic sciences for the past 1400 years through a master-student-apprentice relationship which ensures that the highest level of mastery is retained as knowledge passes to the next generation. The master calligraphers, manuscript illumination artists, geometers, and munshids associated with Deen Arts Foundation South Africa have all learned through the Ijazah system.
Haji Noor Deen Mi Guang Jiang, from China, is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is responsible for the formal codification of the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. He is listed as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world. His work has been displayed in galleries and museums worldwide, including the British Museum, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, the National Museum of Scotland, and the Center for Government and International Studies (CGIS) at Harvard University. He was also awarded the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center 2016 Islamic Economy Award in the category of Islamic Arts.
Hoca Shahryanshah Sirajuddin, originally from Indonesia now based in Turkey, is a multi-award-winning master calligrapher in the Osmanli (Ottoman) tradition of the Riqa, Diwani, Jali Diwani, Naskh, Thuluth, and Jali Thuluth scripts. Prior to moving to Turkey, he completed studies in the faculty of law at the Al-Azhar University in Egypt as well as receiving his Ijazah for Riqa, Diwani and Diwani Jeli scripts from renowned Master Shaykh Belaid Hamidi. He studied Ottoman scripts (Thuluth and Naskh) under the guidance of a number of masters such as the world renowned Hasan Çelebi, Ferhat Kurlu, Mümtaz Seçkin Durdu, Savaş Çevik, Ali Toy, Davut Bektaş, Mehmed Özçay, and Osman Özçay.
Shaykh Muhammad Hobe Hoca was born in Transkei in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. He later moved to Johannesburg and pursued Islamic studies at the Waterfall Islamic Institute, where he also completed his ḥifẓ (memorisation of the Holy Qur’an). It was during this time that he developed a deep interest in Arabic calligraphy. While teaching at the Waterfall Islamic Institute, he met renowned Turkish calligrapher Hilal Kazan. Recognising his talent and dedication, she encouraged and assisted him in travelling to Istanbul, Turkey, to study under the world-renowned master calligrapher, Hasan Çelebi.
Shaykh Muhammad Hoca began his apprenticeship with Master Hasan Çelebi in 2009. Upon completing his training, he was awarded the ijazah (diploma/license) in both the Thuluth and Naskh scripts in 2013. In recognition of his contributions to the Islamic arts, he was granted Turkish citizenship in March 2017. Since then, Shaykh Muhammad Hoca has continued his work as a professional calligrapher, participating in numerous exhibitions in Turkey and internationally. He also teaches students of his own, passing on the sacred tradition of Islamic calligraphy. He currently resides in Istanbul.
Ustaadh Badr Essaihi, from Morocco, graduated from the prestigious Academy of Traditional Arts in Casablanca and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in the Turkish Traditional Arts Department at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet University in Istanbul. Ustaadh Badr has also completed the six Ottoman scripts with Master teachers Haytham Salmo and Davut Bektaş. Along with researching the history and styles of Maghribî and Andalusî scripts, Ustaadh Badr participates in several national and international calligraphy exhibitions and conferences.
Ustaadah Zulfar Tofie Samodien, hailing from the city of Cape Town, South Africa, is a highly accomplished and qualified Islamic calligrapher. Her artistic journey has been nothing short of remarkable, marked by continuous dedication and unwavering passion. In a significant and momentous event in March 2023, Ustaadah Zulfar achieved a notable milestone in her calligraphic pursuits. She was honored to be granted a formal Ijaazah, an esteemed certification, a profound recognition of her dedication and skill, bestowed upon her by none other than the world-renowned Master Calligrapher, Haji Noor Deen, hailing from China. What makes Ustaadah Zulfar’s achievement even more exceptional is that she is among the select few non-Chinese students to be granted this prestigious permission. This coveted Ijaazah empowers her to share and teach the intricate art of Arabic Calligraphy in the unique and captivating Chinese Style Script. It’s a remarkable testament to her talent, commitment, and the universal appeal of her artistry.
Ustaadha Hafida is a Moroccan illumination and calligraphy artist, trained at the prestigious Academy of Traditional Arts in Casablanca and Collège LaSalle International. As an illumination artist, she specialises in floral and geometric ornamentation, drawing inspiration from the rich architectural heritage of Morocco and Andalusia. She holds a specialist degree in Arabic calligraphy and ornamental design, along with a qualification in interior design—further enhancing her ability to merge traditional artistry with contemporary aesthetics.
Her artistic journey has led her to participate in numerous national and international exhibitions, where she has showcased her work to global audiences and contributed to the growing appreciation of both traditional and modern ornamental design.
Ustaadah Farzana Razzaque, based in the United States of America, is the Calligraphy and Tezhip Programme Director at Deen Arts Foundation (International). She is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. Following her interests in the arts, she has been studying calligraphy and tezhip for a number of years now. In 2021, she received her Ijazah, the permission to teach the Thuluth and Naskh scripts in the Ottoman tradition, from Master Calligraphers Haji Noor Deen Hoca and Ahmet Kutluhan. Ustaadah Farzana is also an advanced Tezhip student of Ustaadah Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin, with her works displayed in various exhibitions in the United States of America.
Dr Serap Ekizler Sönmez, from Turkey, is a historian and specialist in Islamic geometric patterns. Serap’s breadth of knowledge stems from her extensive travels to notable Islamic heritage architectural sites with exemplary geometric patterns. Her exposure derives from visits to Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Morocco, and India, notwithstanding her immersion and first-hand experience in her native country, Türkiye. In addition, her expertise in the theological and historical analysis of geometric patterns extends to considerable academic research. Serap’s PhD dissertation titled “The History of Geometric Patterns in Turkish and Islamic Art: Methodology, Applications, and Analysis in the Context of the Topkapi Scroll,” is a monumental work that pioneers a complete understanding of the subject matter. She taught courses for the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (London) and other significant foundations. Serap is the Islamic Geometric Pattern (IGP) Programme director for Deen Arts Foundation (International). She has written valuable academic papers and distinguished books. Dr Sönmez also works as a researcher at FSM University- KURAM (Foundation Cultural Heritage Conservation Application and Research Center).
Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin, from Turkey, is a certified Tezhip Master teacher from Turkey who studied under the renowned Tezhip Master Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak since 2015. Her work has adorned the compositions of several master calligraphers, and she has participated in multiple tezhip exhibitions.
Dr. Intisar Etbaigha, originally from Libya, is an expert in Arabic and English languages with a deep passion for language teaching and translation. She obtained her university degree in English from Al-Tahadi University and later earned a Master’s degree in Translation Studies (Arabic-English/English-Arabic) from the Libyan Academy in 2006. In 2013, she moved to South Africa to pursue her PhD at the University of the Western Cape, specialising in additional language teaching and learning. She successfully completed her doctorate (PhD) in 2018, further solidifying her expertise in language education.
Dr. Etbaigha believes that Islamic teachings and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) should inform one’s teaching philosophy. She emphasises that studying Islam is not a one-time endeavor but a lifelong journey of bridging knowledge gaps through a deeper understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. At Deen Arts Foundation South Africa, she teaches and leads the development and implementation of Arabic language courses as well as provides Arabic translations where needed. Her work reflects her commitment to fostering meaningful language learning experiences and bridging cultures through education.
Haji Noor Deen Hoca, from China, is a renowned master of Arabic calligraphy and is responsible for the formal codification of the ancient Arabic writing system in the Chinese tradition. He is the founder of Deen Arts Foundation and is listed as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world.
“Patience is beautiful”
Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez is a historian and specialist in Islamic geometric patterns. Dr. Sonmez’s breadth of knowledge stems from her extensive travels to notable Islamic heritage architectural sites with exemplary geometric patterns. Her exposure derives from visits to Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Morocco, and India, notwithstanding her immersion and first-hand experience in her native country, Türkiye. In addition, Dr. Sönmez’s expertise in the theological and historical analysis of geometric patterns extends to considerable academic research.
Shahryanshah Sirajuddin is an award-winning master calligrapher in the Osmanli (Ottoman) tradition of the Riqa, Diwani, Jali Diwani, Naskh, Thuluth, and Jali Thuluth scripts.
“Learn calligraphy with your soul”
Originally from Morocco, Badr Hoca graduated from the prestigious Academy of Traditional Arts in Casablanca and is currently pursuing his Master’s degree in the Turkish Traditional Arts Department at the Fatih Sultan Mehmet University in Istanbul. Along with researching the history and styles of Maghribî & Andalusî scripts and participating in several national and international calligraphy exhibitions and conferences, he completed the six scripts with Haytham Salmo and Davut Bektaş Hocas.
Farzana Razzaque is the Calligraphy and Tezhip Programme Director at Deen Arts Foundation in the United States of America. She is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. Following her interests in the arts, she has been studying calligraphy and tezhip for over 5 years. In 2021, she received her Ijazah, the permission to teach the Thuluth and Naskh scripts in the Ottoman tradition, from Master Calligraphers Haji Noor Deen Hoca and Ahmet Kutluhan Hoca. Farzana is also an advanced Tezhip student of Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin, with her works displayed in various exhibitions in the United States of America.
Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin Hoca is a certified Tezhip Master teacher from Turkey who studied under renowned Tezhip Master Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak since 2015. Her work has adorned the compositions of several master calligraphers, and she has participated in multiple tezhip exhibitions.