Istanbul Summer Intensive 2026: Islamic Calligraphy

Istanbul Summer Intensive: Islamic Calligraphy

► Program Name: Istanbul Summer Intensive: Islamic Calligraphy
► Dates: June 28– July 10, 2026
► Class Times: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
► Location: Klasik Türk Sanatlar Vakfı, Üsküdar, Istanbul
► Master: Shahryanshah Sirajuddin
► Tour Days: Fridays, featuring guided visits to Istanbul’s renowned cultural and artistic landmarks
► Prices:
Early Bird Fee: $629 until February 15
Regular Fee: $763 until May 15
Late Fee: $796 until June 30

Full Refund: Cancel by April 15 to receive a full refund.*
Partial Refund: Cancellations after April 15 are eligible for a partial refund.
No Refunds: Cancellations after May 15 are non-refundable.
*after transaction processing fees are deducted.

Tour Highlights Include:

Ebru Workshop with Hikmet Barutçugil: Visit to Ebristan, a workshop brimming with exquisite examples of Islamic art, and participate in a workshop with the world-renowned Ebru artist, Hikmet Barutçugil.

Sabancı Museum: Featuring a collection of rare examples of calligraphy and Islamic Illumination.

Hamidiye Mosque: A late-ottoman mosque with unique elements of decoration.

Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Mosque : A contemporary mosque inspired by Sinan’s Suleymaniye mosque.

Çamlıca Museum of Islamic Civilizations: Featuring rare examples of Islamic art from the Ottoman period.

Çamlıca Mosque: A magnificent contemporary mosque mimicking classical period with astonishing views of the city.

Please note that there may be changes in tour destinations. As we vary our tours each year, we will recommend students to explore other landmarks of the city on their free time.

General Information

Islamic Calligraphy – Istanbul Summer Intensive 2026

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Islamic calligraphy with this two-week intensive program in Istanbul. Hosted at the prestigious Klasik Türk Sanatlar Vakfı, a restored historic Mevlevihanesi in Üsküdar, the program offers an inspiring environment filled with original calligraphy, tezhip, and miniature masterpieces .

Participants will study under the guidance of Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca, renowned for his expertise in the art of Islamic calligraphy. Classes are designed to enhance both your technical skills and your understanding of the profound spiritual connection that calligraphy embodies in the historical context of Istanbul, an open museum exhibiting 800 years of Islamic heritage.

Classes will be held from 10am to 4pm Monday through Thursday. Fridays will be dedicated to guided tours of Istanbul’s artistic and historic landmarks, offering participants the chance to witness masterworks of Islamic art and architecture firsthand. These tours aim at enriching the learning experience by connecting classroom study with real-world masterpieces.

Additional Information

We recommend staying in or near Üsküdar for convenience. The neighborhood offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to Airbnbs, all within walking distance or a short scooter ride from the program venue.

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot now to experience this unforgettable journey into the heart of Islamic art!

• Program fees
• Program Orientation
• Guided tours to historic and artistic landmarks on Fridays
• Ebru workshop with Hikmet Barutçugil
• Transportation to and from tour sites
• Museum fees

• Airfare
• Lodging and accommodations
• Meals
• Transportation outside of the guided tour days (e.g., getting to and from the venue).
• Art Supplies/Materials for the program

ABOUT OUR INSTRUCTOR

Shahryanshah Sirajuddin

Shahryanshah Sirajuddin was born in Sangkulirang, Indonesia (b.1986) and graduated from the faculty of Islamic Law of Al-Azhar University-Egypt in 2009.

In Egypt, he received his Ijazah for Riq’a, Diwani, and Diwani Jali scripts from Sheikh Belaid Hamidi. With the recommendation of his master, he came to Turkey in 2010 to further his studies in calligraphy.

He practiced Thuluth and Naskh under the guidance of a number of masters like Hasan Çelebi, Ferhat Kurlu and Mümtaz Seçkin Durdu. He also received calligraphy lessons from various masters in Istanbul, including Savaş Çevik, Ali Toy, Davut Bektaş, Mehmed Özçay, and Osman Özçay.

This led him to receive his Ijazah in Arabic calligraphy during the ceremony organized by IRCICA (Research Center for Islamic History, Art and Culture)

Shahryanshah is also undertaking a Magister program in the Fine Arts Department at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakif University.

​Shahryanshah has taken part in multiple calligraphy competitions and has also won many of them. His calligraphic works have found homes in various galleries and exhibitions. Shahryanshah Sirajuddin Hoca and Fatma Ulusoy Hoca continue to produce magnificent works of illumination and calligraphy work together in Istanbul.