The Hüsn-i hat is the art of writing with Islamic letters of Arabic origin by using reed pen and soot ink in a measured and proportional manner while taking into consideration of the aesthetic values. A special paper glazed with organic substances (aharlı kağıt), reed pen (kamış kalem), pen-knives, a special slab for trimming the reed pen (makta), inkwell (hokka) and pen case (divit) are the most used tools in its practice traditionally. The Hüsn-i hat is written on special paper, leather or other writing materials and it may also be applied on the surfaces of stone, marble, glass, wood, etc. by using specific techniques. Holding the reed pen and its directions on the paper by the hattat ensures the perfection and compound of letters. There are different styles of writing which have been evolved over centuries: Thuluth, jali, naskh, muhaqqaq, raykhāni, tawqi, riqā’, kufic, ta’liq, nasta’liq, siyaqat, diwani, riq’a, gubari are among the commonly preferred styles. These writing styles, using the tools and traditional craftsmanship related to the element have been transmitted through master-apprentice relation from generation to generation. The Quran, hadiths (statements of the Prophet Muhammad), Turkish laconic and poetical couplets are written with hüsn-i hat. Therefore, hattats have applied Sufistic rituals while writing hüsn-i hat. Apart from the sacred and literal works, the element also practised in state correspondences such as imperial edicts, warrants and religious and public buildings in Seljuk and Ottoman period. Today, the element is still practised in sacred and literal works and religious buildings in Turkey.

Turkey 2021

Batu Seremban is well-known in Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan and Johor. Also known as Permainan Batu Selambut or Serembat, it is played individually in groups of two to four people. Five objects named as ‘buah’ are required, consisting of rubber seed, glass marble, bean bag, pebbles or small wrapping of cloth as some of them. Batu Seremban is well-known in Kedah, Selangor, Kelantan and Johor. Also known as Permainan Batu Selambut or Serembat, it is played individually in groups of two to four people. Five objects named as ‘buah’ are required, consisting of rubber seed, glass marble, bean bag, pebbles or small wrapping of cloth as some of them. Issues that may cause a ‘defunct game’ status is that, among others, if there is a ‘buah’ that touches another one when the player spread them onto the playing surface like the ground, floor and the like. Apart from the hand, other body parts such as the feet, the knees and the like are not allowed to be touched by the rest of the ‘buah’.