Introduction to Tezhip (Classic Islamic illumination)
GENERAL INFORMATION
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.
- Course Title: Introduction to Tezhip: Classic Islamic illumination)
- Course Schedule:
Sep 4 – Dec 18, 2024
[Break]
Jan 8 – Feb 19, 2025
[Break]
April 9 – May 21, 2025 - Time: Wednesdays 8 PM UTC Click to convert to your local time zone.
- Duration: 30 weeks long
- Instructor: Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
- Course Format: Online
- Age Requirements: 13+
- Price: $799
- Scholarship Application Due June 20, 2024 [click to access]
- Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel by July 10, 2024, to receive a full refund.
- Installment plans available through PayPal and customer’s credit card.
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
GENERAL CURRICULUM
- Week 1: Zencerek and corner turn.
- Week 2: Circular Zencerek
- Week 3: Applying zencerek on the ahar paper
- Week 4: Münhani motif painting
- Week 5: Münhani pattern design
- Week 6: Münhani pattern painting
- Week 7: Completing the pattern, Tığ
- Week 8: Drawing Halkar leaf
- Week 9: Drawing Halkar, Hata-i, Penç, Goncagül
- Week 10: Painting technique of Halkar
- Week 11: Halkar pattern design
- Week 12: Painting the pattern, tığ
- Week 13: Bouquet design
- Week 14: Bouquet painting
- Week 15: Checking the bouquet
- Week 16: Introduction Classical tezhip, Framing
- Week 17: Classical tezhip design
- Week 18: Checking the patterns, contour work
- Week 19: Transfering the pattern, gilding
- Week 20: Flower backgrounds and contour
- Week 21: Flower colors, painting the Zemin (background)
- Week 22: Tığ pattern
- Week 23: Designing Classical + Halkar pattern
- Weeks 24-
The motifs and skills will be introduced and practiced once; mastery will come later when one joins the Şah Kulu 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.
