SAVAŞ ÇEVİK

Savaş Çevik was born in 1953 in Akseki, Antalya. In 1976, the same year he earned his master’s degree from the Graphic Design Department at Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts, he began his teaching career as an assistant to his mentor, Professor Emin Barın, in the same department. He completed his doctoral studies on Latin Script in 1983 and specialized in "Lettering Design" as an Assistant Professor in 1987.

His journey into the art of calligraphy began in 1973, studying with the renowned calligraphers of the last century. He learned the rik’a and tâlîk scripts from Kemal Batanay, and sülüs and nesih scripts from Hâmit Aytaç. He continued his calligraphy education under their guidance until their passing. Later, he studied the dîvânî and celî dîvânî scripts with calligrapher Professor Ali Alparslan. Throughout this period, he frequently met with his mentor Professor Emin Barın and calligraphy expert Professor Uğur Derman, enriching his knowledge and understanding of the art.

In 1986, he won first place and received two honorable mentions at the International Hâmit Aytaç Calligraphy Competition organized by the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA). In addition, he has been honored with around thirty awards in calligraphy and graphic design, both in Turkey and internationally. His works are included in various collections in Turkey and abroad, featuring pieces such as plaques, hilye, tuğra, mosque inscriptions, and firmans.

Beyond his calligraphy work, Savaş Çevik also has significant contributions in the fields of Latin Script and calligraphy. His commercial works include crafting certificates, diplomas, and honorary documents, presented to heads of state and dignitaries from various countries.

Alongside his classical calligraphy works, Savaş Çevik has developed his own modern techniques and applications. He has also been involved in theoretical publications, calligraphy courses, jury memberships, and served as an expert in handwriting and signature analysis.

Savaş Çevik retired from Mimar Sinan University in 2002 and founded the Graphic Design Department at Haliç University in 2004, where he continued teaching until his retirement from the university in 2019. Between 2010 and 2018, he served as the Head of the Calligraphy Department at the courses organized by Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İSMEK) and conducted “Fundamental Art Education” courses. He continues his work in his private studio and has been teaching 'Calligraphy' at the Zeytinburnu Cultural Center since 2015.

Known for his dedication to classical traditions in calligraphy, Savaş Çevik is also recognized for his unique and creative approaches. He is particularly known for his tuğra works, makılî script, and his studies on the less commonly written scripts of Muhakkak-Reyhânî. He is credited as the first calligrapher in the history of calligraphy to write a hilye in the Muhakkak-Reyhânî script.

Savaş Çevik has introduced innovative composition styles to the art of calligraphy, such as "Cross Müsennâ," "Quadruple Müsennâ," "Sequential Makılî," "Circular Makılî," and "Continuous Makılî." His work is characterized by a unique combination of calligraphy and graphic design, integrating classical methods with modern, original, and free-form designs, utilizing color and graphic elements.

To date, Savaş Çevik has held 24 solo calligraphy exhibitions and has participated in 126 group exhibitions both in Turkey and abroad.