When Letters Become Art
Hatem Arafa
Hatem Arafa is an Egyptian graphic designer and calligrapher based in Turkey for the past decade. He graduated from the Islamic Traditional Arts Department at Istanbul’s FSMV University, specializing in Arabic calligraphy, and is now pursuing a master’s in graphic design. Arafa’s notable projects include the logo for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, calligraphy artworks at Cary Mosque in North Carolina, and commemorative coins for Qatar’s World Cup 2022. His work uniquely merges traditional Arabic calligraphy with contemporary design elements. DIVAZ caught up with Arafa to hear all about his diverse endeavors and multidimensional path.
How have your cultural experiences shaped your identity?
Arabic calligraphy has been part of my life since childhood. Growing up in Egypt, where the script is woven into everyday life — from storefront signs to mosque inscriptions — it became a natural language of expression for me. My father’s love for calligraphy further cultivated my appreciation for this art form. Arabic calligraphy isn’t just letters; it’s a historical narrative, a visual identity, and a deeply personal language. My cultural heritage shaped my artistic direction and sense of purpose. Poetry, literature, and Islamic art aesthetics shaped my understanding of beauty and meaning. Moving to Turkey in 2014 deepened this dialogue. Turkey’s rich Islamic heritage and vibrant art scene revealed how calligraphy bridges personal and cultural identities, giving my work authenticity while engaging contemporary audiences.
Talk to us about your studies; how have they influenced your creative approach?
My studies in calligraphy started as a hobby to incorporate it into graphic design. Initially, I wanted to blend it effectively with designs, but I soon realized calligraphy deserved to be center stage. This marked a turning point as it became the core of my creative expression. Studying at the Islamic Traditional Arts Department in Istanbul was pivotal. I immersed myself in the history and techniques of Islamic arts, learning styles like Diwani, Thuluth, and Kufic, which taught me discipline and patience. This education transformed my philosophy, emphasizing intentionality in art. Exposure to diverse calligraphic traditions broadened my stylistic range, deepening my understanding of Arabic calligraphy as an evolving, adaptive art form.
What would you say are the main influences shaping your aesthetic?
My aesthetic combines classical calligraphy with modern design. Influences include historical calligraphers, modern visual arts, photography, typography, and digital design. This blend lets me create timeless yet accessible calligraphy, balancing traditional practice with digital tools. Mastering traditional guidelines is a lifelong journey requiring precision, discipline, and respect. My Egyptian roots and exposure to Turkey’s artistic traditions add depth, blending influences to create unique interpretations. Each piece honors cultural heritage while inviting fresh perspectives.
What is one moment that made you feel proud of yourself and your work?
Completing the calligraphy for Cary Mosque’s dome in North Carolina was a defining moment. Delayed by the pandemic, the project took two years of remote preparation before I could complete it in person. For a month, I carefully crafted Arabic script under the dome, creating a permanent sacred space thousands of miles from home. It felt like the culmination of my aspirations, reminding me of the value of patience and resilience.
Can you walk us through a day in your creative process?
Each day varies depending on the project. For instance, designing a logo for a game like Assassin’s Creed Mirage involves researching historical references, sketching initial designs, and refining them digitally. Mosque interiors demand meticulous manual labor, while smaller hand-drawn works require focused precision. Regardless of the project, the process begins with an idea that develops through research, sketching, and refinement.