The secret signature of calligrapher Abdullah Zühti

Abdullah Zühdi Efendi is one of the prominent figures of 19th-century Ottoman calligraphy. He penned the majority of the calligraphic works found in the Prophet's Mosque; he considered this unique honor as the greatest spiritual reward of his life. According to the information shared in the video explanation by Adnan Şensoy, Abdullah Zühdi Efendi secretly added his signature to some of the writings in the Prophet's Mosque. This signature is skillfully placed in a way that can be detected upon close and careful inspection, but may be overlooked at first glance. This tradition of the secret signature corresponds to an attitude sometimes seen in Ottoman art. The artist wants to show that he presents his work not for fame, but with pure devotion; by hiding his signature, he emphasizes that the true owner of the work is Allah, and he is merely a tool. However, the presence of the master's name in the work allows art and the artist to establish a connection with history. [Source: TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, "Calligraphy" article, islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/hat; Sources of Ottoman calligraphy history]