The Precious Vav of Calligrapher Hafiz Osman

Hafiz Osman had boarded a rowboat to cross from Beşiktaş to Üsküdar. As they approached the shore, the boatman began to collect the fares. Hafiz Osman realized at that moment that he had no money on him. In embarrassment, he said to the boatman:

"–Sir! I just realized; somehow I didn't bring any money with me!" "Could I letter a 'wāw' for you instead of money?"

The boatman, who did not know about Hafiz Osman, got annoyed:

"–Oh, blessed one! If you didn't have any money, why did you get on the boat?" What good is a single wāw letter? What am I supposed to do with a wāw?" he said.

Hafiz Osman replied:

"You'll sell it!" "I can't pay you any other way right now!" 

Upon this, the boatman helplessly accepted the offer made. Hafiz Osman then wrote a letter of "wāw" right there and presented it to him.

One day, the boatman passing by the covered bazaar saw that some calligraphic writings were being sold. He immediately thought of the "wāw" of Hafiz Osman in his pocket. He took it out and showed it to the art dealer. 

The man's shout of "Hafiz Osman’s wāw!" suddenly attracted a crowd, and the lettering was sold for a hefty price that the boatman had never expected. Even large calligraphic compositions would not have been worth as much.

Later one day, Hafiz Osman, while crossing to Üsküdar again, had boarded the same man's boat. Seeing him in front of him, the boatman said: 

"–Oh Hodja! Instead of money, just write me another 'wāw'!"

Even before Hafiz Osman could hand him the money.

Hâfız Osman then said with a smile:

"Sir! That 'wāw' does not emerge lightly every time." "Here is your money!" 

and presented the fare.

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