Istanbul Design Center / Özbekler Tekkesi
• Immerse yourself in the world of Islamic Aesthetics & Spirituality
Dr. Samir Mahmoud
– Scholar of Islamic spirituality, aesthetics, and wellbeing
Abdelkarim Mats Cederberg
– Artist and expert in Islamic patterns and design
• Explore the inner meanings of Islamic art and design.
• Participate in practical workshops on Islamic patterns, designs, and traditional crafts. Learn how to draw 10 fold geomtetric patterns and floral motifs that are used in mosques in Istanbul.
• Connect creativity, beauty and artistic expressionto spirituality and well-being.
• Discover the beauty of Ottoman art & architecture through the artistic eyes.
Included:
Breakfast and lunch
All workshops, materials and activities
There are still some spots available.
€890 (double occupancy)
€1,190 – Early bird, single room
€690 – Without accommodation
Very Limited spots available
– reserve early!
"Our mission is to promote mental-health, well-being and healing through Islamic spirituality and Sacred arts."
Tentative Schedule
Saturday, August 10 – Arrival & Opening
16:00–18:00 – Opening Circle & Orientation, Therapeutic aspects of Islamic Art.
(Evening free)
Sunday, August 11
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–11:30 – The Creativity (Ibda‘) of the Artist
(al-Fannan) & Imagination (Khayal) –
Shaykh Samir Mahmoud
11:30–12:00 – Tea Break
12:00–13:00 – Methods and materials – Abdelkarim
13:00–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–16:00 – Ebru, marbling workshop
16:00–17:00 – Open Studio / Reflection Time
(Evening free)
Monday, August 12
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–11:30 – Geometry as Visual Poetry: The World Turned Inside Out – Shaykh Samir Mahmoud
11:30–12:00 – Tea Break
12:00–13:00 – Islamic geometry and fivefold patterns from various mosques in Istanbul – Abdelkarim
13:00–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–15:30 – Watercolour Session – Abdelkarim
15:30–17:00 – Open Studio
(Evening free)
Tuesday, August 13
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–11:30 – Rhythms & Patterns: Creation as Orders of Meaning – Shaykh Samir Mahmoud
11:30–12:00 – Tea Break
12:00–13:00 – Islamic Geometry II – Abdelkarim
13:00–14:00 – Lunch
14:00–15:30 – Biomorphic Patterns – Abdelkarim
15:30–17:00 – Open Studio / Creative Reflection
(Evening free)
Wednesday, August 14 – Closing
09:00–10:00 – Breakfast
10:00–12:30 – Contemplation (Tafakkur): Discovering the Signs (Ayat) of God in Nature
13:00–14:00 – Farewell Lunch & Closing Circle
Additional Activities:
-jama'ah prayers
-meditation exercises
-how to increase presence (hudur) in prayers
-visit to tekke for sama'
-architectural/art tour of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque