Istanbul Summer Intensive: Tezhip, Islamic Illumination
► Program Name: Istanbul Summer Intensive: Tezhip, Islamic Illumination
► Dates: June 28- July 10, 2026
► Class Times: Mondays through Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
► Tour Days: Fridays, featuring guided visits to Istanbul’s renowned cultural and artistic landmarks
► Location: Klasik Türk Sanatlar Vakfı, Üsküdar, Istanbul
► Master: Fatma Ulusoy Sirajuddin
► Prices:
Early Bird Fee: $629 until February 15
Regular Fee: $763 until May 15
Late Fee: $796 until June 30 (based on availability)
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: An astonishing 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
Tezhip: Classic Islamic Illumination – Istanbul Summer Intensive 2026
Immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Islamic Illumination with this two-week intensive program in Istanbul. Hosted at the prestigious Klasik Türk Sanatlar Vakfı, a restored historic Mevlevi lodge in Üsküdar, the program offers an inspiring environment filled with original calligraphy, tezhip, and miniature artwork.
Participants will study under the guidance of Fatma Ulusoy Hoca, renowned for her expertise in the art of Islamic Illumination, Tezhip. Classes are designed to enhance both your technical skills and your understanding of the profound spiritual connection that the art of tezhip 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.
