An Ottoman marble panel with the tughra of Mahmud II, signed by Mustafa Rakim (1758-1826), Turkey, first half 19th century

Mustafa Rakim was born in Ünye in 1758 and moved to Istanbul at a young age to live with his elder brother, who taught him the art of calligraphy. Recognised as both a calligrapher and a painter, he gained favour with Sultan Selim III who admired his work and invited him to draw his portrait during an audience. Mustafa Rakim held various prestigious positions, including those of professor and judge, and taught calligraphy to Sultan Mahmud II after he acceded the throne. He is remembered for his innovations in writing jali thuluth script and tughras, and left behind numerous calligraphic works, including inscriptions for monuments and mosques with some of his stencils now housed in the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art in Istanbul (U. Derman 1998, p.98-99).