Introduction to Andalusian Maghribi Illumination
: In this program, students will learn the basic techniques of Zakhrafa, the Andalusian tradition of Islamic Illumination.
General Info
- Course Title: Introduction to Andalusian Maghribi Illumination
- Course Schedule: Sunday 8 PM UTC | 3 PM CST (convert to local timezone)18 Week SessionOctober 1 – December 17, 2023[Winter Break]January 7 – February 25, 2024
- Course Format: Online corrections (2 hours) / recorded lessons 15-30 minutes
- Prerequisites: None
- Instructor: Fouad Blili
- Age Restriction: 15+
About The Course
Tezhip is the Turkish word meaning “ornamenting with gold” and represents the Ottoman tradition of beautifying calligraphy. Renowned professor of Tezhip, Dr. Çiçek Derman, once said, “If the aim of the Hattat (calligrapher) is to write the Holy Qur’an in his best handwriting, the Tezhip artist aims to illuminate it to express what is in their heart.”
This course will take an intellectual and hands-on look at how the art of Tezhip is taught formally. The most important aspect of this class is understanding the various techniques used to create a pattern and the fine craftsmanship required to create an art piece with Tezhip. First, students will experience a brief history of Tezhip and look at the different styles used by Tezhip artists.
Next, students will explore elements of Tezhip by looking at the building blocks used to make a simple pattern and implementing those techniques in a pattern they will create. Finally, students will be introduced to some significant pioneers of Tezhip in the past and influential contemporary artists in the field.
General Curriculum
Module 1: Geometric Design: Students will practice drawing geometric designs and be assigned a project to create a design of geometric patterns for their artwork.
Module 2: Floral Ornamentation Design: Students will learn to design floral ornamentation units and their various elements. Students will understand basic ornamentation and design elements, such as the basic unit of pattern structure, binary leaves, individual leaves, links, and flowers. Students will also construct plant units for the geometric design created in the first module.
Module 3: Application Stage: Students will learn techniques for gilding, outlining, and coloring in ornament. Students will become familiarized with the tools and materials used in these techniques and will learn to apply gilding, outlining, and coloring techniques to the decorative panel designed.
Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and instructional pre-recorded videos. Whatsapp will be used for communication, sharing information, and homework.
Estimated Time Commitment
Students are expected to allocate 10 hours per week to attend live online classes, practice, and prepare their lessons for submission.
Required Material
| Material name | Colors/Details | Recommended Brand | Quantity |
| Gold paint | Gold | Schmincke Horadam Aquarell | 1 |
| Gold paint | Pearl Gold | Pentel (Poster Color) | 1 |
| Gouache | Primary cyan Indian Yellow Primary magenta | Schmincke Akademie Gouache | 1 1 1 |
| Gouache | White 100 Primary Yellow 205 Vermillion 311 Carmine 318 Blue Cyan 501 | Royal Talens Designer Tempera | 1 1 1 1 1 |
| Water-based ink | Schwarz black | Rotring | 1 |
| Brushes | 1, 0, 00, 000 (all 4 sizes required) | Winsor And Newton 7 series | 1 of each size |
| Fineliner in black (waterproof) | 0.03mm | Uni | 1 |
| Geometric compass | Compass includes universal adapter, extension bar, extra needles | Staedtler Comfort | 1 |
| Mechanical pencil | 0.5 mm lead | 1 | |
| Eraser | 1 | ||
| 12 inch ruler | 1 | ||
| Translucent/tracing paper | 1 roll/pad A4 | ||
| Paper | Calligraphy ahar paper If not found Canson 300 gsm watercolor paper (hot or cold press) | Size A3 : 2 Size A4: 3 | |
| Practice paper | Canson paper/ Printer paper | unspecified | |
| Wheat Starch | 1 packet | ||
| Water activated adhesive tape | 1 |
Our Instructor:
Fouad Blili is a professor of Maghribi Ornamental Art at Al-Qarawiyyin University in Fez, Morocco, with seven years of experience in this field. He has won several excellence awards and supervised projects in the design of the Holy Quran. He has several specializations in the Maghribi-Andalusian style.
Your Order
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