Levels I & II: Four and Six-Fold Patterns
This 21-week-long elementary and intermediate-level course will allow students to gain a perspective in analyzing geometric patterns, a historical awareness of Islamic civilizations, and foundational knowledge of science and art history.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Course Title: Levels I & II: Four & Six Fold Patterns
Course Schedule: Tuesday, 4pm UTC (convert to local timezone)
*Day and time subject to change, please check your emails for updates.
Duration: 21 weeks
Sept 1 – Dec 15, 2026
[Break]
Jan 5 – Feb 2 , 2027
Course Format: Online*
*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 16 years or older and be familiar with using a compass.
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 participation and assignment submission.
Instructor: Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez (Geometer/Artist/ Historian of Islamic Architecture)
Course fees:
- Early bird: $549 (until May 25)
- Regular: $619 (May 25 to July 20)
- Late: $649 (after July 20)
Due to limited seating, we request that you cancel by July 15, 2026, to receive a full refund. To apply for financial aid, fill out this form by May 15, 2026. Applications after this date will be reviewed for the next year’s programs.
For inquiries, contact students@deenartsfoundation.org.
THE CONTENT AND AIM OF THE PROGRAM
The examples of geometric ornamentations found mainly in architecture, almost everywhere in the Muslim world, are testaments to great Islamic civilizations of the past. Learning from these and specifically looking at the Middle Ages, we can understand the civilizations and their span. Although there are studies on this topic, they fall short in evaluating the subject in the context of the history of Islamic civilizations, analyzing the richness of the compositions mathematically, and keeping the geographical conditions in mind. It is also not sufficient to point out the physical existence of the geometrical patterns within the Islamic sciences, geometry, algebra, architecture, art history, history of science, philosophy, and even physical sciences such as physics, chemistry, and biology. Instead, they should be explored holistically within the given multidisciplinary frame. Only then questions such as the nature of the triangular relationship of the artisan-scientist-craftsman, the way patterns are produced, and the methods used by the craftsman when employing a given pattern can come to light. Otherwise, something will always be missing. The extent to which patronage is essential in producing works of art is another question that needs to be addressed. The fact that science and art flourish when supported is known to everybody.
With all this in mind, this class will provide a framework for understanding the dynamics of Islamic civilizations. As we study this field, an artistic manifestation of science, students will gain foundational knowledge of the history of science and art, a perspective in analyzing geometrical patterns, and an understanding of the history of Islamic civilizations.
At the end of this workshop, students will learn basic geometric structures of geometrical patterns. They will be able to analyze, at a basic level, a geometric pattern they may encounter. Additionally, they will have an understanding of the history of Islamic architecture. They will realize the developments and the changes in the materials and the conception of the designs across different regions. With the knowledge of the history of science, students will gain awareness of a civilization that has produced an advanced level of science. In addition, they will recover their confidence in their Islamic heritage. Finally, with the knowledge of the history of art and architecture and the study of specific works, the students will dig into the notion of tawhid (oneness) in Islamic aesthetics and understand Islamic arts.
*Benefiting from multiple disciplines, this unique academic and systematic program is designed especially for the DeenArts Foundation.
This course focuses on pattern construction and analysis. Students interested in honing their artistic skills can enroll in the “Introduction to Geometric Patterns: Drawing and Painting” course in addition to this class.
ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR
Dr. Serap Ekizler Sonmez
Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez is a historian and specialist in Islamic geometric patterns. Dr. Sonmez’s breadth of knowledge stems from her extensive travels to notable Islamic heritage architectural sites of exemplary geometric patterns. In addition, Dr. Sönmez’s expertise in the theological and historical analysis of geometric patterns extends to noteworthy academic research.
Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez is a historian and specialist in Islamic geometric patterns. Dr. Sonmez’s breadth of knowledge stems from her extensive travels to notable Islamic heritage architectural sites consisting of exemplary geometric patterns.
Her exposure derives from visits to Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Morocco, and India, notwithstanding her immersion and first-hand experience in her native country, Turkiye. In addition, Dr. Sönmez’s expertise in the theological and historical analysis of geometric patterns extends to noteworthy academic research.
Dr. Sönmez completed her Ph.D. in the spring of 2022, addressing the histories of science, Islamic art, architecture, and geometric patterns.
Her dissertation, “The History of Geometric Patterns in Turkish and Islamic Art: Methodology, Applications, and Analysis in the Context of the Topkapi Scroll,” is a monumental work that pioneers a complete understanding of the subject matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why aren't recordings available for this course?
For this course, students are required to join the live-sessions in person and participate and take notes attentively without relying on recordings. We’ve observed this increases classroom participation and maximizes student’s benefit from the content of our lessons. That said, each session of this course will be recorded and will be available for students who would not be able to join due to an excruciating excuse. Please read our recording policy here for more information.
Is there a certification or Ijaza for this course?
Students who complete this course and meet the participation and assignment criteria will be granted a certification. The term Ijaza essentially translates to certification, however, neither in history nor in modern times, is there a kurrasa-based, chain transmitted ijaza system in place for Islamic geometric patterns that is similar to the one in Islamic calligraphy. Historically, geometric patterns were designed by geometers and engineers and applied by craftsman in arts and architecture. Dr. Serap’s course emphasizes this notion of learning actual geometry and the skills students need to analyze and draw correct geometric patterns.
The objective of her curriculum is that students who successfully complete all levels of her courses be able to analyze any pattern they come across, which means correctly categorizing that pattern and figuring out how it can be correctly constructed. Although there is no traditional ijaza per se, as a world-wide recognized scholar of this field, we believe receiving a certification of completion from Dr. Serap is a priceless achievement. Dr. Serap has many dedicated students who are now teachers of this art form themselves.
Why is there a long time between different levels?
Our current Islamic Geometric Patterns program with Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez may be the most intensive and comprehensive course on geometric patterns out there. She utilizes different approaches of analysis based on her research of historical manuscripts as well as the patterns she studied and documented traveling all around the world. Although each level is only held during the fall term, they’re very intense and expectation on the students is high. Students appreciate the long break between different levels as it gives them a chance to review their class notes and redraw patterns and digest what they have learned before continuing onto the next level.
4 Comments
Hi, can you be a bit clearer about which weeks will be passed for a break on this 20 week course and the handbook rules around missed classes and recordings.
Hello Rachel, would you please send an e-mail to students@deenartsfoundation.org
Hello , this sounds like the course of my dreams ! 🥰 just want to know if the classes will be conducted through out oct till feb or will there be any breaks such as winter break in dec ? Also does this include painting the patterns too or just sketching ?
You can send an e-mail to students@deenartsfoundation.org. Our team will answer your questions as soon as possible.
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