Gottes Löwe is a culturally grounded editorial almanac exploring Alevi spirituality, symbolism, astronomy, and ritual practice through a modern visual system.
Driven by deep cultural research and personal heritage, the project blends educational storytelling with a functional lunar calendar documenting rituals, prayers, and community narratives.
My contributions included cultural research, visual identity development, editorial design, illustration, and structuring the narrative layout.
01 — Cultural & Astrological Research
The goal was to merge cultural storytelling with an accessible, respectful, and modern editorial format.
Key insights
Alevi & Sunni communities share spiritual values but differ in traditions, not belief.
Symbolic elements (the lion, the crescent, and elements) express protection, justice, and strength.
Moon phases guide rituals and community cycles — essential for structuring the almanac.
Cultural representation requires accuracy, empathy, and non-stereotypical design.
02 — Concept Development: Identity, Symbols & Purpose
Concept Goals
Bridge understanding between Alevi and Sunni communities
Present Alevi heritage through a modern, non-cliché visual approach
Create a functional spiritual calendar aligned with lunar cycles
Use symbolism and typography to express identity, strength, and calmness
Symbol Development
Zülfikar sword — justice, protection
Aslan (Lion of Ali) — courage, leadership
Arabic-letter forms — cultural authenticity
Minimal mosque silhouettes — architectural storytelling
Hand of Fatima (Hamsa) — peace, protection
03 — Design Development & Layout
Design System
Clean grid system for calm reading and long-form storytelling
Symbolic palette: black, white, muted turquoise
Arabic + Latin typography for dual cultural identity
Chapter visuals built around moon-phase logic
Large symbolic spreads for visual rhythm
Narrative Flow
Introduction to Alevi culture
Stories, rituals, and prayers
Symbol explanations
Full lunar calendar
Monthly reflections
04 — Outcome & Learnings
Outcome
Delivered a hardcover almanac merging cultural storytelling with a functional lunar calendar
Crafted a modern cultural object that preserves rituals, identity, and knowledge
Designed a time-specific archive aligned with the lunar Hijri cycle
Created a symbolic and educational design that invites non-Alevi readers to understand the culture
Learnings
Translating cultural heritage into modern editorial systems
Applying symbolic systems to structured layouts
Designing respectfully for culturally sensitive topics
Combining narrative flow, research depth, and visual clarity
