Workshops

In this workshop, conducted by our specially trained Karagöz & Hacivat performer Ada Burke, students will be introduced to a brief history of the traditional Turkish shadow play. During the 2-hour workshop, each participant will build their own Karagöz & Hacivat puppets. This workshop assists young learners in developing their confidence as well as their creativity, dexterity, oracy, and decision-making abilities. It also allows families to spend quality time together.

This workshop will cover tradition and history of the art-form ‘Ebru’ with artist Dilara Karaagaç. In this interactive workshop, participants will learn how to create Turkish Ebru Artwork while also being taught general information. They will also learn about the materials in use, about the traditional patterns that can be used and about the preparation of water and dyes.

The workshop by artist Nagihan Seymour will cover Ottoman tradition ‘Tezhip’ patterns. This interactive hands-on workshop will start with an overview of the history and origins of the art. Then, they will learn traditional floral motifs (hatai, gonca, penc etc) as well as how to decorate the border of Islamic manuscripts.

This workshop will cover the history of the traditional İznik ceramic/çini patterns from renowned artist Nagihan Seymour. After becoming acquainted with the materials, participants will be shown painting techniques in the Iznik style using traditional Iznik ceramic paints from Türkiye and will have the unique opportunity to paint and recreate this stunning design.

This workshop introduces participants to ‘Hüsn-i hat’ – the practice of beautiful writing according to the Ottoman tradition. This practical workshop will cover the historical perspective of Ottoman calligraphy and an overview of the traditional teaching methods and materials. Students will be guided by the master calligrapher Gulnaz Fatima Mahboob, an Islamic Calligrapher (hattat), authorised and classically trained in Istanbul by the renowned Grand Master Hasan Çelebi, with demonstrations and feedback.

This workshop will introduce students to the Bağlama (Saz) – one of the most well-known instruments in Anatolian folk music, and the main instrument of traditional Aşık (Ashik) music of Anatolia. This is a practical introduction to the Bağlama that will provide participants with a step-by-step guide on how to play the Turkish “Kısa-Sap Bağlama” (short neck) Bağlama in “Bağlama düzeni” (Bağlama tuning scheme) and its basic performance styles with a plectrum. 

Please note that a Bağlama is required for this workshop, therefore students should make contact with the teacher before the programme to find out where they can get one.

This workshop will introduce students to the ‘Turkish Style Oud’ – one of the primary instruments of Ottoman/Turkish Classical Music. This is a practical introduction to the Turkish side of Oud playing and provides participants with a step-by-step guide to playing and reading Ottoman/Turkish Classical Music using the Oud.

Please note that an Oud is required for this workshop, therefore students should make contact with the teacher before the programme to find out where they can get one.