Ornamenting the Sacred: Pattern, Light, Form

Türkiye’s rich tradition of sacred ornamentation takes centre stage at London Craft Week, celebrating centuries-old techniques developed to embellish spaces of worship and devotion with meaning, craftsmanship, and beauty.

This programme focuses on the arts that shape and adorn the sacred, including stained glass (vitray), woodcarving, architectural ornament, and related decorative traditions, explored through hands-on workshops, engaging talks, and live demonstrations. Participants will encounter the material language of the sacred, from carved wood surfaces and patterned glass to ornamental motifs rooted in spiritual architecture and craftsmanship.
Age requirement: These workshops have age restrictions (16+). Please check individual event details before booking.

Plaster Carving Workshop

Tuesday, 12 May 2026 | 6 - 9 PM

Friday, 15 May 2025 | 6 - 9 PM

Join us at London Craft Week for a hands-on plaster carving workshop led by Mariam Ashraf at Yunus Emre Institute. Explore gypsum as a living craft shaped by geometry, ornament, and Turkish architectural inspiration. Over this 3-hour session, participants will learn the full process of creating a small carved plaster piece, from casting the base to transferring a design and beginning carving techniques. Suitable for beginners, this workshop offers an accessible introduction to gypsum as a tactile and expressive material.

The Letter Waw | Ottoman Architectural Calligraphy

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Sunday, 17 May 2025 | 11 AM - 2 PM

This workshop explores the visual and symbolic significance of the letter waw in Ottoman calligraphy, inspired by the architectural forms of Bursa Ulu Cami. Led by Gulnaz Mahboob, participants will study the waw motif in sacred space and ornamentation, observe a live demonstration with traditional tools, and develop their own calligraphic composition on a mounted piece. It is open to all levels and all materials are provided, with participants learning to use qalam and ink to create a work inspired by Ottoman architectural aesthetics.

İznik Ceramic Brooch | Floral or Geometric Design

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 12 - 2 PM

Sunday, 17 May 2025 | 3 - 5 PM

In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore traditional İznik (Çini) painting techniques by decorating a ceramic bisque with floral and geometric Ottoman motifs, led by Nagihan Seymour. Inspired by tulips, carnations, and stylised blossoms, each design will be transformed into a wearable brooch after glazing and firing, offering an accessible introduction to the visual language of İznik art. The session is suitable for beginners, with all materials provided, and participants will learn the history of İznik patterns, practise traditional brushwork and line control, use çini underglaze colours, and create a finished ceramic piece ready for firing.

Ottoman Tile Painting on Paper | Rumi & Şemse from Yeni Cami

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 3 - 6 PM

Step into the world of Ottoman design and discover the elegance of traditional pattern-making inspired by the iconic tiles of Istanbul Yeni Cami. Led by Nagihan Seymour, this 3-hour workshop explores the flowing beauty of Rumi motifs and the balanced geometry of Şemse compositions, guiding participants to create their own tile-inspired artwork while learning the fundamentals of Ottoman pattern structure, practising Rumi forms and stylised motifs, understanding symmetry and repetition in Islamic art, and producing a painted composition inspired by traditional tiles.

Stained Glass Taster Workshop | Traditional Geometric Patterns

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Sunday, 17 May 2025 | 11 AM - 2 PM

Join us at London Craft Week for a hands-on stained glass workshop exploring the beauty of glass, colour, and geometric pattern through a traditional decorative art form. Led by Demet Tokbay, this 3-hour session at Yunus Emre Institute offers an accessible introduction to stained glass inspired by Turkish and Ottoman geometric design, guiding participants step by step as they create their own small piece while learning about the materials, structure, and decorative qualities of the medium. Open to all levels, this workshop is ideal for those interested in traditional arts, ornament, and hands-on making.

Important Note: Not recommended for anyone who is pregnant or suspects they may be pregnant due to the lead content used in the workshop.

Weekend Wood Marquetry

Saturday, 16 May 2026 | 10 AM - 5 PM

Sunday, 17 May 2025 | 10 AM - 5 PM

Join us for a weekend wood marquetry workshop led by Adam Williamson in collaboration with the Art of Islamic Pattern programme during London Craft Week. This two-day course introduces the traditional marquetry process, from working with hardwood veneers to creating geometric compositions, leading to a finished marquetry panel. Open to all abilities, with all materials provided and a discounted fee of £140 using code YEELONDON.

Book via Art of Islamic Pattern Website by

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