The Art of Islamic Illumination

The Art of Islamic Illumination

Discover the beauty of Tazhib, the traditional art of Islamic illumination, through this hands-on workshop. Participants will be introduced to the fundamentals of classical design along with the use of traditional materials such as natural pigments and gold accents. Guided step by step, each attendee will complete and color a simple yet elegant design to take home. No prior experience is required—just patience, curiosity, and a love for art. Necessary materials will be provided during the event.

About the Instructor

Ayşe is a Turkish artist specializing in Tazhib (Islamic illumination), Persian/Ottoman Miniature, and Islamic tile art. Born in Sivas, Turkey, she spent over a decade in Konya, a city renowned for its rich Islamic heritage, which profoundly influenced her artistic development. She earned both her undergraduate and master's degrees in Traditional Arts from Seljuk University's Faculty of Fine Arts in Konya, with a specialization in Tazhib and Miniature. She later taught courses at the same university in Pattern Design for Tazhib and Tile Design. She received her traditional Tazhib ijazah in 2014.
In 2018, Ayşe relocated to Philadelphia, USA, where she continues to practice her art, deeply rooted in traditional techniques such as classical Tazhib, Halkâr (delicate shading), and Çift Tahrir (double outlining). Her work is characterized by the use of organic materials, such as handmade papers, natural pigments, and gold leaf, and reflects the intricate beauty of geometric and floral motifs inherent in Islamic art.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

Get App

Host or Publisher Ayse Tunc