GENERAL INFORMATION

In this comprehensive program, we will study the theory and practice of five-fold patterns with an academic focus. 

• Course Title: Level III: Five Fold Patterns
• Course Schedule: Tuesday, 7pm UTC (convert to local timezone)
• Duration: October 1- January 21 (15 weeks)
• Course Format: Online* (1.5 hours)
• Installment plans available through PayPal and customer’s credit card.
• *Recordings will only be available for those with excused absences. See student handout for homework and recording policy for this course.
• Prerequisites: Participants must be 18 years or older and have an advanced level of knowledge. No refunds will be issued, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that participants possess the necessary skills to match the course’s advanced level.
• Student Expectations: Students are expected to submit at least one execution of a pattern every week. They will qualify for the certification based on their assignment submissions and live class attendance. 
• Instructor: Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez (Geometer/Artist/ Historian of Islamic Architecture)

THE CONTENT AND AIM OF THE PROGRAM

In this comprehensive program, we will study the theory and practice of five-fold patterns with an academic focus. Geometric patterns are learned in various fields from different perspectives, most commonly through demonstrating how to draw them with ruler and compass construction.

Our program extends further as it will address their place in the history of science, architecture, and art. In light of some contemporary works that have been put forth, we will try to understand how this traditional field of study can still be very productive in creating new patterns today.

We will also present concise information on sources and discuss past and present research. Alongside in-class applications, we will address the concept of “Islamic Thought” with a holistic approach to the Islamic world.

REQUIRED MATERIALS 

• • Compass (Suggested high end: Compass Drawing Tool
  • 12 inch/ 30 cm ruler
  • Mechanical Pencil (suggested 0.5mm) 
  • Pencil (H and 4B)
  • A3 size watercolor paper (good quality 130gsm or greater)
  • Tracing paper
  • Masking/Artist Tape
  • Precision eraser (Suggested Tombow Mono Zero)
  • Colour pencils 
  • Fine line pens, assorted colors

The program outline consists of:

• Ruler and compass construction of pentagons and decagons are found in primary sources of the Islamic Sciences
• The relationship of pentagons with the golden ratio.
• The hidden systems within pentagons and decagons.
• Building a base structure to draw five-fold patterns.
• Method to divide a corner angle into five equal parts.
• The features of the patterns are known as “the shah of patterns” or “the mother of patterns” in Persian and other related patterns.
• The classification of five-fold patterns.
• Typologies of pieces in five-fold patterns.
• Building materials and application techniques vary across regions and times.
• What is the polygonal structure? Why is it essential to understand five-fold Patterns?
• Ruler and compass construction of selected five-fold patterns in the Islamic world.
• The kinship of the patterns and the underlying systems of the patterns.
• Examples of complex Kundekari doors from the Ottoman era and how to draw them.
• Double-layered five-fold patterns.
• Why is the Topkapi Scroll important for five-fold patterns?

*Benefiting from multiple disciplines, this unique academic and systematic program is designed especially for DeenArts Foundation.

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

Dr. Serap Ekizler Sonmez