Brunei, Turkiye celebrate cultural ties through art, heritage
Published On : Monday, 14 July 2025
The art works of Turkish calligraphy and water marbling art were featured in a course at Balai Khazanah Islam Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah (BKISHHB) where Ambassador of Turkiye to Brunei Darussalam Professor Dr Hamit Ersoy said,
“Today, we celebrate not just the beauty of Turkish/Ottoman calligraphy and the mystical art of Ebru (water marbling), but also the enduring friendship and cultural connection between Turkiye and Brunei”.
Meanwhile, Acting Director of BKISHHB Pengiran Mohammad Jeffrynul Hafli bin Pengiran Haji Ali said, “We are gathered not only to witness the beauty of two traditional Islamic art forms – Riq’ah calligraphy and Ebru painting – but also to celebrate the cultural ties between Brunei Darussalam and Turkiye. These unique art forms, rich in history and aesthetic depth, serve as living expressions of Islamic civilisation and heritage.”
Hosted by BKISHHB and facilitated by Yunus Emre Institute (YEE) Riq’ah Calligraphy in coordination with the embassy, the courses, which will commence on August 4, will give the public a richer exposure to the Turkish traditions, art and culture, the ambassador added.
Director of YEE in Brunei Lale Ersoy explained, “Calligraphy has many styles but the Riq’ah style is unique because it is artful as well as functional, since it was used as the official form of correspondence in the Ottoman palace for centuries. This offers great value to historians and researchers too.
“Ebru, on the other hand, while appearing simply as art, it is deeply rooted in a profound spirituality and practiced as a form of Dikir by many of the artists,” she added.
Permanent Secretary (Culture) at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports Pengiran Haji Mohd Hasnan bin Pengiran Haji Ali Hassan was the guest of honour.
