The calligraphy exhibition Healing the Soul (Ruha Şifa) opened on the evening of May 6th at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü

London, bringing together leading names in Turkish calligraphy with a timely and deeply reflective theme: the healing of the human spirit through art. Organised in collaboration with Albayrak Group, Ruh Sağlığı Derneği (Mental Health Association), KimPsikoloji, and Yunus Emre Enstitüsü

London, bringing together leading names in Turkish calligraphy with a timely and deeply reflective theme: the healing of the human spirit through art. Organised in collaboration with Albayrak Group, Ruh Sağlığı Derneği (Mental Health Association), KimPsikoloji, and Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, the exhibition explores the profound intersections between traditional Islamic art and mental wellbeing. The opening ceremony welcomed talks from distinguished guests including Mr Ömer Bolat, Minister of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye; His Excellency Mr Osman Koray Ertaş, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the United Kingdom; Honourable Mr Afzal Khan CBE, Member of Parliament; and Mr Abdullah Hanönü, General Manager of Albayrak Media Group. In their remarks, speakers underscored the value of cultural initiatives that bring together art, tradition, and mental health awareness. Among the attendees were also long-standing supporters of Islamic calligraphy, including Sir Terence Clark, former British diplomat and author, and Dr Ahmad Al-Dubayan, Director General of the Islamic Cultural Centre in London. Director of Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London, Dr Mehmet Karakuş, emphasized the Institute’s commitment to supporting artistic expressions that speak to contemporary human concerns while remaining rooted in heritage. Mr Abdullah Hanönü, General Manager of Albayrak Media Group, highlighted the project’s aim to create a reflective space where sacred art can contribute to emotional balance and resilience, noting that such initiatives are vital in today’s complex world. In his address, Minister Ömer Bolat praised the exhibition for uniting cultural depth with public awareness around mental health, and for presenting traditional Islamic arts as living, relevant, and accessible forms of healing and meaning-making. Curated by Dr Ömer Akgül, Healing the Soul invites visitors to engage with questions that are both personal and universal: How do we live with hardship? Can suffering be a path toward insight, patience, and spiritual depth? Through 15 original works by contemporary Turkish calligraphers, the exhibition suggests that sacred words—when written with care and contemplation—can become vessels for reflection, resilience, and renewal. The works on display combine centuries-old aesthetic principles with modern emotional resonance, offering meditative encounters with themes such as divine love, surrender, inner freedom, and the search for balance. Drawing inspiration from both psychological insights and spiritual traditions, the exhibition is designed not just to be seen, but experienced inwardly. Featured artists include Abdullah Furkan Yaman, Arif Özdem, Cemali Gündoğdu, Ceyhun Oydem, Faruk Eratlı, Hanife Yiğit Alpaydın, Mehmet Özel, Muhammed Nuri Çelikkaya, Nadir Tatar, Osman Çiçek, Senem Demirci, Yahya Yaldız, and Zeynep Albayrak. Though many of the artists were unable to attend the opening, their works speak for themselves—each one a quiet gesture of meaning and care. Healing the Soul is open to the public and will remain on view through 20 May 2025 at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London.