Husn-i Hat Levha's (framed calligraphic art) are one of the diminishing treasures of our old mosques

Besides the customary tradition of having mosque cover plates (copper, silver or gold plated) and "mihrap" (calligraphic engravings in niches), Hüsn-i Hat levha's were also hung in mosques and mescit's in accordance with the regional cultural and economic situation. Calligraphic and illumination art works have a significant place, particularly within the "selatin" mosques. Some of our historical mosques were like a calligraphy museum until recent times. Until recently, these spectacular treasures which we are familiar with seeing in our old mosques have become memorabilia of times gone by. Today's situation has become a source of dissapointment for those who knew the mosques when they were full of framed calligraphic arts These artworks which were indespensible items of mosques and mescit's, have almost dissapeared due to lack of interest and theft. The remaining few "Levha’s" have been stored into museums for preservation purposes by Foundation administration. It is significant to apply fine examples of contemporary artists specialized in classical Islamic Arts together with the traditional calligraphy in order to keep the arts alive during restoration of historical mosques and construction of the new ones. Preserving any monument of historical value, in fact, means to maintain cultural history of a people aliv