“Ruha Şifa-Hüsn-ü Hat Exhibition” opened to visitors in Üsküdar again this year…

Üsküdar University is hosting a unique event that brings together traditional Islamic art with a modern psychological perspective. The “Ruha Şifa-Hüsn-ü Hat Exhibition,” prepared by Dr. Ömer Akgül, has been presented to art enthusiasts and the academic community. The exhibition not only offers a visual feast but also centers on the effort to create meaning through art in the face of life's challenges. The exhibition, opened with the participation of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University, can be visited between May 4-11.  

The exhibition, held in the lobby area of Üsküdar University Central Campus A Block, attracted intense interest from the very first day.

Exhibition Opened with the Participation of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan

The exhibition, whose fundamental philosophy focuses on the conflict between “the desire for happiness” and “value hunger,” one of the greatest illusions of our age, was opened under the leadership of Dr. Ömer Akgül, President of the Mental Health Association, with the participation of Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

The collection, shaped by Dr. Ömer Akgül’s “Psychology of Calligraphy” vision, aims not to reject pain and misfortunes, which are an inevitable part of life, but rather to acknowledge and accept them, and to find new meaning within them. 

Calligraphy art, in this process, is positioned as a 'tool for meaning-making' that helps individuals preserve their inner freedom and choose their own attitude even under life’s challenging conditions.

The “Signboard” Metaphor Reaching from Line to Heart 

The works in the exhibition describe the suffering encountered by humans as 'signboards'. Just as one should not be deceived by the glitter of a signboard adorned with precious jewels and miss the direction it indicates, this exhibition invites visitors to turn towards the higher meanings pointed to by suffering, rather than being trapped within the suffering itself.

The works, prepared by drawing inspiration from traditional art pieces, aim to strengthen individuals’ psychological resilience and create awareness that “misfortunes can actually be our greatest fortune”.

Students Also Experienced the Healing Power of Art

Students visiting the exhibition expressed their satisfaction with the blending of traditional art with modern psychology. 
One student said, “The ‘signboard’ metaphor in the exhibition deeply affected me. It is very valuable to see, through the aesthetics of calligraphy, that the difficulties in our lives actually show us a direction.” while another student stated, “This approach, which suggests accepting and finding meaning in pain instead of the 'compulsion for happiness' brought by the modern world, was very meaningful to me.” 

Another student, referring to the value the event added to campus life, remarked, “The idea that misfortunes can actually be our greatest fortune offers a very powerful comfort for us.” 

Finally, another student commented; “The presentation of Hüsn-ü Hat art as part of our psychological well-being, bringing the healing power of art to our campus, was a cure for our souls.”

The Traditional Healing Journey Continues at the Central Campus This Year…

The “Ruha Şifa” exhibition, which was first showcased on October 10, World Mental Health Day, and opened last year at the NP health campus, continues its journey with the goal of keeping memory alive. This year, the exhibition moved to Üsküdar University's central campus, supporting the university's “Human and Society”-focused vision with an aesthetic perspective.

The special selection, in which Dr. Ömer Akgül presents his calligraphy writings as a part of psychological well-being, can be visited until May 11.