İslam Seçen is one of the figures who contributed to the classical bookbinding art in Türkiye from the second half of the 20th century onward. He engaged with the traditional book arts inherited from the Ottoman period, working both as a practitioner and an educator in this field. In addition to producing works, he trained students, held positions at various institutions, and participated in restoration projects both within Türkiye and abroad. Seçen’s work reflects a process aimed at preserving classical bookbinding art and transmitting it to future generations.

İslam Seçen was born in 1936 in Priština, Kosovo, where he completed his primary and secondary education. His interest in art led him in 1952 to the PEC Academy of Fine Arts in the town of İpek, Kosovo, where he received training in sculpture and painting. In 1957 he came to Türkiye and enrolled in the second year of the Istanbul Academy of Fine Arts.

During his studies in Istanbul, he received instruction in classical and modern bookbinding from prominent artists of the era. He studied classical (Eastern) bookbinding with Professor Dr. Sacit Okyay, modern (Western) bookbinding and calligraphy with Professor Dr. Emin Barın, and classical bookbinding techniques from Necmeddin Okyay. During this period, he developed as a representative of a strong artistic tradition. He graduated from the academy in 1960 and completed his studies in the Department of Higher Decorative Arts in 1961.

In 1961, at the request of the Ministry of Culture, Seçen established the Bookbinding and Pathology Service at the Süleymaniye Library. Despite extremely difficult conditions, he carried out this service and over time restored thousands of books, ensuring the preservation of an important cultural heritage. In 1973 he was appointed Chief Expert by the Ministry of Culture. He served at the Süleymaniye Library for a total of 27 years.

İslam Seçen participated in restoration projects not only in Türkiye but also internationally. In 1969 he worked for two months at the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, Portugal, examining Islamic manuscripts damaged by a flood. He was invited again in 1970 and spent ten months restoring these manuscripts. He continued his work at the museum for 32 years, as permitted by his official duties.

Seçen was known not only for his artistic practice but also for his role as an educator. From 1966 to 1968 he taught drawing and handcrafts at Eyüp Middle School. From 1977 to 2013 he taught classical bookbinding at the Department of Traditional Turkish Arts at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. He retired early in 2001 due to age but continued teaching at Mimar Sinan until 2007. From 2014 onward he taught bookbinding at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University. Among his students are Associate Professor Dr. Habib İsmen, Professor Dr. Kazım Hacımeyliç, A. Betül Oral, and Melike Kazaz.

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İslam Seçen made bookbinding the center of his life and worked in this field for many years. He consistently maintained his interest in classical book arts, asserting that “art has no end.” He viewed this art not merely as a technical skill but as a cultural heritage.

In 1961, when he established the Süleymaniye Library Bookbinding and Pathology Service with almost no resources, he faced numerous challenges. Nevertheless, he continued his work, focusing entirely on preserving and transmitting this art without regard for personal gain.

İslam Seçen received various awards throughout his long career in art and education:

He was awarded the Grand Prize for Culture and Art by President Abdullah Gül.

He was honored with the Living Human Treasures Award by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He is also a recipient of the Silver Tulip Award.

İslam Seçen passed away at his home in Istanbul on 30 November 2019 after a long battle with cancer. His funeral prayer was held at Fatih Mosque on 1 December 2019, after which he was laid to rest at Yeni Kozlu Cemetery.