Turkish Journal Exclusive Interview
Doha, Qatar
Şevval Erdağ – On March 5, Katara Cultural Village opened its doors to the exhibition The Soul of Gold, featuring the works of Turkish illumination artist Hatice Yetiş and her students. The exhibition, which is open to visitors until April 6th, showcases approximately 30 pieces that blend traditional and modern forms.
Turkish illumination artist Hatice Yetiş
Hatice Yetiş’s Journey into the Art of Illumination
Hatice Yetiş was born in Izmir and graduated from Istanbul University, Department of Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge Teaching. She holds a master’s degree in psychology and continues her work as a psychologist, play therapist and family counselor.
Her journey into art began when one of her twin children was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Seeking a therapeutic outlet during this challenging period, she discovered marbling art through courses at ISMEK. Over time, she searched for a deeper, more meaningful artistic pursuit and eventually found herself drawn to the world of illumination. For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to this art form, and for the last three years, she has taught at the Yunus Emre Institute in Doha. She also continues to offer private lessons.
The Art of Illumination and the Significance of Gold
Yetiş emphasizes that illumination is an essential part of traditional Islamic art, often complementing calligraphy. “We must make more efforts to give this art the recognition it deserves and introduce it to a wider audience,” she says.
She also highlights the scientifically proven psychological benefits of gold in illumination, explaining that colours have a profound healing effect on the human soul. Furthermore, she underscores the sacred significance of Allah’s words—not just in Islam but in other religions as well—and believes that these divine words should be adorned with the finest materials in the most beautiful way possible.
“Colours and gold are elements that touch the human soul. We should embellish the words of Allah with the most exquisite materials,” she adds.
“The Soul of Gold” Exhibition
After two months of intensive preparation and in collaboration with Katara Cultural Village, The Soul of Gold exhibition came to life. In addition to Yetiş’s own works, the exhibition features pieces by her students, presenting a total of 30 artworks.
Stating that she is proud to be one of the first artists to introduce such a precious Islamic art in Qatar, an Islamic country.
“Gold has been valuable since the day it was first discovered. When people engage with things that bring them peace, they begin to shine internally, like gold. I wanted to bring together what is precious with what is most precious. That is how the title of this exhibition was born,” she explains.
Future Goals
Yetiş hopes to increase awareness and appreciation of illumination art, making it accessible to a broader audience. She describes this exhibition as the realization of a long-held dream.
“I will continue to share my art and teach those who are genuinely curious and eager to learn,” she says.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Yetiş plans to continue her career as a psychologist and family counselor, balancing both art and psychology in her professional journey.
