Workshop: Hiç | Ottoman Calligraphy & Tezhip Illumination

Workshop: Ottoman Calligraphy | Tezhip Illumination

Part of the exhibition: Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness

Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
Time: 10:30 am – 4 pm (includes a short break)
Instructors: Gulnaz Mahboob and Nagihan Seymour
Duration: 5 hours
Fee: £50 (includes all materials)
💡 To avoid the Eventbrite fee, you can make your payment by bank transfer using the details below.
Class Size: Minimum 5 – Maximum 15 students
Location: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London
📍 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA (Nearest tube stations: Warren Street & Goodge Street)

Required Materials

All materials will be provided by the Institute.

Bank Transfer Details:
Bank Name: Metro Bank Tottenham Court Road
Account Name: Yunus Emre Institute
Sort Code: 23-05-80
Account Number: 21902772
Reference: Your Full Name
(Please ensure you include your full name so your payment is processed correctly.)

Workshop Overview

Join us for Hiç: Ottoman Calligraphy & Tezhip Workshop, a meditative artistic experience where language, geometry, and light converge.
Inspired by the Sufi concept of “hiç” — meaning nothingness — this workshop offers a journey into the spiritual heart of Ottoman art, combining Ottoman calligraphy and Tezhip illumination in one day of mindful creation.

The session is divided into two parts:

🖋 Part 1 – Ottoman Calligraphy (2–2.5 hours) | 10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Participants will be introduced to the rhythm and grace of Ottoman calligraphy, learning to write a single elegant letter using the traditional qalam (reed pen) and ink.
Through guided exercises, you will explore the proportions and balance that give the script its timeless beauty — cultivating patience, focus, and harmony in each stroke.
The act of writing becomes a reflection of hiçlik: quieting the self to reveal pure form and flow.

🎨 Part 2 – Tezhip Illumination (2–2.5 hours) | 1:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Building upon your calligraphic composition, you will then enter the world of Tezhip, the Ottoman art of manuscript illumination.
Using traditional pigments and gold paint, participants will embellish their letter with patterns inspired by Hatayi (floral)and Rumi (stylised animal or spiral) motifs.
Each design represents movement, balance, and the unfolding of creation — transforming your calligraphy into a finished artwork that unites text and ornamentation, discipline and creativity.

By the end of the day, you will have produced your own illuminated letter — a symbol of beauty, contemplation, and the journey from form to meaning. Open to all levels, this workshop offers not only an introduction to one of Türkiye’s most cherished art forms but also a reflective journey into the harmony between nature, beauty, and the divine.

About the Exhibition

Hiç: In Pursuit of Nothingness explores the Sufi concept of “hiç” — meaning nothingness — through calligraphy, illumination, and ceramic art.
Curated by Nagihan Seymour, the exhibition offers a contemplative journey bridging traditional Turkish art and contemporary expression.

Rooted in the philosophy of transcending the self to achieve harmony with the whole, hiç invites visitors to reflect on mindfulness, ego, and existence in the modern world.
Alongside the display, visitors can join workshops, talks, and guided tours for a deeper engagement with the spirit of the exhibition.

🗓️ Exhibition Dates: 4–30 November 2025
📍 Venue: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü – London

Workshop Policies and Guidelines

• The workshop is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
• For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
• While the Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
• The Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
• Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
• Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
• Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned termsand conditions.