PROFILE

Born in the UK and of mixed Pakistani-French descent, Soraya Syed spent 7 years training as a calligrapher. In 2005, she was awarded the sought-after icazetname (the authoritative Islamic calligraphy qualification) from Istanbul. Soraya has a background in fine arts and in 2001 graduated from The Prince’s School, London with a Masters in Visual Islamic and Traditional Arts.
For Soraya, the surface she writes on is almost as important as the style and arrangement of the text itself and she loves to use handmade papers from around the world. She enjoys the challenge of being faithful to her traditional training while remaining true to her vision as a female Muslim lettering artist living in 21st century Britain.
Soraya’s written and visual work has been published and exhibited in the UK and abroad. She now resides in west London with her husband and children..

Photo courtesy of Peter Sanders Photography