As part of its long-standing tradition, the Albayrak Group's Calligraphy Exhibition is now in its 11th year, continuing its journey across the globe. On October 15th, the Albayrak Calendar Collection Calligraphy Exhibition took place at the Royal Palace, NISA Road, in Mogadishu, Somalia. This exhibition is part of a broader initiative that will see it showcased across various regions of Somalia, with support from the IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation, reaching local partners and students.
The Albayrak Group has extended its reach beyond Türkiye’s borders, bringing its impressive collection of Islamic calligraphy to audiences worldwide. Previously displayed in countries such as Albania, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Tanzania, and Hungary, Somalia is the latest destination for the group’s renowned exhibition. The event in Mogadishu saw a significant turnout, with key figures in attendance, including Somalia's Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs Hasan Muallim, Turkish Ambassador to Somalia Alper Aktaş, IHH Vice Chairman of Trustees Hüseyin Oruç, Zam Zam University Rector Ahmed Mumin Warfa, and Albayrak Group’s Corporate Communications Coordinator Esad Sivri.
During the opening, Esad Sivri emphasized the importance of cultural activities in creating lasting value, noting that the Albayrak Group seeks to establish meaningful connections through their projects. "The most exquisite pieces in our Calligraphy Collection are here to foster cultural bonds," he remarked.
Sivri added that with support from partners such as TIKA, Maarif Schools, and the Turkish Embassy, the exhibition will continue its journey through various parts of Somalia. In addition to the artworks, detailed information is provided through QR codes, allowing visitors to access descriptions in multiple languages via the ketebe.org website, an extensive digital archive dedicated to Islamic calligraphy.
Albayrak Group’s presence in Somalia goes beyond cultural engagement. The group has made significant investments in the country over the years. These include the construction of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan Hospital in 2012, the signing of the Alport Mogadishu concession agreement in 2013, the building of the Turkish Embassy in 2014, and other major infrastructure projects such as the military training base in 2017 and the Parliament building in 2018.
Reflecting on the group's continued efforts, Sivri noted, “As we enter our second 70 years, we aim to showcase the heritage we carry by producing lasting value. Somalia has been an integral part of our journey.”
The IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation has also played a key role in supporting Somalia, as emphasized by the recent exhibition. Since its inception in 1995, IHH has expanded its humanitarian work to 123 countries, building strong cultural ties along the way. In Somalia, IHH has been active for 27 years, conducting humanitarian projects year-round, particularly during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha.
IHH’s long-standing initiatives in Somalia include the construction of an orphan education center in 2013, and currently, the foundation is working on establishing a healthcare center in Wajid, in northwestern Somalia. Through its Orphan Sponsorship Program, IHH provides monthly support to over 6,000 orphans in the region.
Through initiatives like the calligraphy exhibition and calendar projects, the Albayrak Group continues to elevate Islamic calligraphy on the world stage, fostering cultural connections with partner institutions and students in Somalia. Additionally, the group’s digital platform, ketebe.org, remains Türkiye’s first and only comprehensive archive dedicated to the art of Islamic calligraphy, creating a lasting legacy for this significant art form.
