Introduction to Tezhip (Classic Islamic illumination)
Unveil the art of Tezhip - Illuminate your creativity with Deen Arts Foundation. Discover the techniques, gold, and beauty of Ottoman manuscript illumination. Enroll now for an enchanting journey.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Course Title: Introduction to Tezhip: Classic Islamic illumination
- Course Schedule: Tuesdays, 8 PM UTC (convert to local timezone)
- Sep 2 – Dec 16, 2025 [Break]
- Jan 6 – Feb 10, 2026 [Break]
- March 31 – May 19, 2026
- (30 weeks)
- Instructor: Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
- Course Format: Online
- Course fee: Early bird: $779 (until June 7)
- Regular: $839
ABOUT THE COURSE
Tezhip, derived from the Turkish word “ornamenting with gold,” is a cherished art form embodying the Ottoman tradition of adorning calligraphy. As renowned Tezhip professor, Dr. Çiçek Derman eloquently expressed, “The Tezhip artist aims to illuminate the Holy Quran, expressing the depths of their heart through their art.” In our Introduction to Tezhip class, students will delve into the fundamental techniques and materials employed by the esteemed Tezhip artist Fatma Ulusoy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Develop a solid foundation in the techniques of Tezhip, including gold application and ornamentation.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the materials and tools used in Tezhip art.
- Cultivate a deep appreciation for the Ottoman tradition of calligraphy embellishment and the art of Tezhip.
MATERIALS LIST
REQUIRED MATERIALS: click to view
Students can buy supplies from the Islamic Art Supplies (click to view) store.
GENERAL CURRICULUM
In this course students will be introduced to topics in the following order. Please be noted that the topics are subject to change.
- Rectangular Zencerek and corner turns.
- Circular zencerek
- Preparing and applying ahar on a paper
- Applying zencerek on the ahar paper
- Münhani patterns
- Completing the Munhani pattern with Tığs
- Drawing Halkar leaf and flowers: Hata-i, Penç, Goncagül
- Halkar pattern design
- Halkar bouquet painting
If students are able to complete the bouquet. Based on the remaining time, the following topics may be introduced:
- Introduction Classical tezhip, Framing
- Classical tezhip design
- Contouring
- Transfering the pattern and gilding
- Flower backgrounds and contour
- Flower colors, painting the Zemin (background)
- Detailed tığ patterns
- Designing Classical tezhip and Halkar pattern
The motifs and skills will be introduced and practiced once; mastery will come later when one joins the Rikkat Kunt Tezhip Apprenticeship Program. Therefore, all Introduction to Tezhip class projects must be completed before permission to enter the Apprenticeship Program.
Classes will be conducted online using Zoom, and Whatsapp will be used for communication, sharing information, and homework.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR
Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin was born in Istanbul (b.1988) and graduated from European Islamic University Faculty of Islamic Sciences in 2012 and Anadolu University Open Education Faculty of Theology in 2016.
Fatma continued her education with her husband Shahryanshah Sirajuddin in Riq’a and Diwani scripts until 2015, when she decided to focus on illumination with Ayşe Gülcan Özbalak.
During the summer of the pandemic, Fatma Hoca joined the Deen Arts team and began teaching students the art of Islamic manuscript illumination, or tezhip. Fatma Hoca is fluent in Turkish and Malay. However, due to her exposure and engagement with English-speaking students, she has begun to comprehend the English language as her students learn Turkish in class.
Shahanshah Sirajuddin and Fatma Ulusoy Hocas continue to produce magnificent works of illuminated and calligraphy together in Istanbul.
