Ali Toy

Hattat

Birth Date H. 1379-1380
M. 1960

Birth Place Kütahya

Photos

About Artist

Born in Tavşanlı, Kütahya in 1960, Ali Toy graduated from Tavşanlı Tunçbilek High School and subsequently earned a degree in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University. He completed his postgraduate studies in Surveying and Restoration at Yıldız University. His interest in calligraphy began during his undergraduate years, and in 1985, he commenced formal taliq calligraphy lessons under the tutelage of Professor Dr. Ali Alparslan. Having received his ijazah (certificate of mastery) in taliq calligraphy in 1988, Toy dedicated the following four years to studying riqa, diwani, and jali diwani scripts. His formal calligraphy education spanned a total of 21 years, concluding with the passing of his mentor, Professor Dr. Ali Alparslan in 2006. Beyond taliq, diwani, jali diwani, and riqa, Toy also explored shikaste, kufi, and maghribi scripts, creating innovative compositions that combined elements from these various styles. His works seamlessly integrate classical calligraphy, modern calligraphy, and linear elements, reflecting the harmonious interplay between his architectural background and his mastery of traditional calligraphy. In particular, his modern calligraphy pieces are characterized by their use of architectural principles and fundamental geometric forms. A prolific artist, Toy has participated in numerous exhibitions both domestically and internationally, hosting 28 solo exhibitions. He has also been awarded six prizes in four different competitions organized by IRCICA. Based in his Istanbul studio, Toy is renowned for his taliq, diwani, and modern calligraphy works. His modern calligraphy pieces exhibit a unique blend of architectural design knowledge and fundamental geometric principles. In 2017, Toy was honored with the Presidential Culture and Arts Grand Award in the category of Traditional Arts. The citation commended his ability to seamlessly merge modern architecture with calligraphy during a period when traditional arts were experiencing a resurgence. His distinctive, simple, impactful, and balanced style was credited with revitalizing traditional calligraphy.