Gulnaz Mahboob
Gulnaz Fatima Mahboob is a qualified Islamic/Arabic Calligrapher (hattat), authorised to teach and classically trained by the renowned Turkish Master Calligrapher Hasan Celebi.
She teaches privately and at various insitutions, which include The Yunus Emre Institute London, The Prince's Foundation of Traditional Arts and Leighton House Museum.
In 2012 she was awarded the Ijazet in the thuluth and naskh scripts according to the Ottoman tradition. Having received her Ijazet she has become part of a continuum that is more than 10 centuries of calligraphic tradition.
Gulnaz has focused on teaching and has successfully designed and delivered courses and workshops throughout the country. Her courses are tailored to the needs of the audience and look at the inherent practices that lend themselves to promote positive qualities like clarity and stability in oneself. Her background in anthropology will offer fresh perspective on what is a dynamic bond that is established between the student, the master, the letters and the repetitive practices.
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:14 am“After reading her CV and seeing some of her work I was so enthusiastic to meet her and learn from her. I had two courses with Gulnaz, she is very skilled, friendly and pushes her students to do their best. Learning with her is a journey into the art and spirituality, history and tradition, dedication and perfection.” B, Surgeon
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:15 am“Gulnaz has a wonderful rapport with her student of all ages. Her ability to connect with her students and her talent at teaching simple concepts, as well as more advanced topics, are both truly superior.” A. Sheikh – Senior Consultant
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:16 am“Studying with Gulnaz I learned not only the intricacies of the pen and how through subtle movements to give form to beautiful letters but also to make the pen an extension of myself so the what appears on the page is a reflection of me. By harnessing the proportions of the letters and their cosmological elements I was engaged in both the process of beautifying the page with the Arabic script but also to re-order and beautify my thoughts and inner being. Gulnaz as a teacher will patiently take you through the elements of calligraphy as an art form whilst also teaching you how to use calligraphy to become more balanced and by exploring its meditative aspect to enhance all areas of life”
Bilal, Business Consultant
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:17 am” I’m so glad I stumbled across this course. It’s been an honour and an absolute pleasure to be taught by Gulnaz. She has a very calming and peaceful aura and sets the tone for the classes and her work is absolutely mesmerising. The sessions have been thoroughly therapeutic too to say the least. I really have gone on a spiritual and self discovery journey within myself and it’s made me appreciate the traditional method of calligraphy. Thank you so much for your time and effort Gulnaz, you’ve been an amazing inspiration. Can’t wait to come back for the next course as I’m totally addicted now.” Nazma Begum, Performance Analyst
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:17 am“This was such a great experience. Gulnaz paid attention to each student’s needs. A perfect introduction to Arabic calligraphy. An incredible teacher who provided a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere for participants coming from different backgrounds. She is able to give attention to everyone as we worked through each task individually. Gulnaz comes with years of experience and was very patient – a very crucial trait to anyone teaching Arabic Calligraphy. Having studied under Master calligraphers herself, her knowledge eases the worry of being intimidated, she comes with highly commendable teaching methods. One leaves, wanting to learn more. Classes are for learning but there was always time for a joke or two, which facilitates the process well. I managed to walk away with some great new skills and tips. Brilliant value. 100% recommended.” Rima, Company Director
ImamConnect Admin
13 April 2022 at 10:18 am“Gulnaz is an outstanding teacher of Islamic Calligraphy. She makes you relish the beauty of letters by deconstructing them so you can clearly understand how to create those shapes. She has a unique ability to teach with patience and rigour. Her exacting way is very inspirational and pushed me to strive for the best. The qualities that make her stand out as a calligrapher and teacher are accuracy, literacy, a strong hand and creating the perfect writing tools. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to learn from her.” Alka Bagri, Bagri Foundation