The Ottoman art of calligraphic monograms known as Tuğras—once the official signatures of sultans—was honored at TÜRKSOY through an exhibition titled “The Sultan’s Line, The Sultan of Lines: Tuğras” and the academic conference “Historical Journey of the Tuğra.”

The exhibition, prepared by calligraphy artist İsmet Keten, was inaugurated at TÜRKSOY’s foyer with a musical performance by Dr. Serkan Günalçin from Ankara Music and Fine Arts University. Keten presented detailed information on various Tuğras—from early Ottoman times to more recent dynasties—to dignitaries attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Following the exhibition, the conference opened in the TÜRKSOY Conference Hall with welcoming remarks by Deputy Secretary General Sayit Yusuf. Highlighting Tuğras as a reflection of the magnificence and artistic spirit of the Turkic world, Yusuf stated: “We are not only introducing our past, but we also feel responsible for sharing this heritage across the Turkic geography. This program is a bridge between history and art.”

Yusuf added: “Tuğras are more than mere signatures—they are symbols combining authority, refinement, and aesthetics. We are proud to showcase this cultural spirit to new generations through events like this, and we extend our special thanks to İsmet Keten for his contributions.”

In his opening speech, Prof. Dr. Erhan Özden, Rector of Ankara Music and Fine Arts University, emphasized the importance of Islamic calligraphy and announced the launch of a Traditional Arts Department at his university starting this academic year to pass on such crafts to young people.

The event also featured speeches by Prof. Dr. Sıddık Çalık, retired academic Dr. Ayhan Pala, cultural affairs head Mehmet Düğmeci, and İsmet Keten, offering rich insights into the origins, development, and cultural relevance of the Tuğra. The event closed with a musical recital on the qanun and the presentation of plaques and certificates.