Artworks
Hilye-i Şerif (“The Noble Description”)
Hilye-i şerîf or hilye-i nebî is an ornamental art developed by Ottoman calligraphers in the 17th century. It includes Qur’anic verses and Prophet Hz. Muhammad’s a description of the physical and moral characteristics. The four circular panels contain the names of Hz. Abu Bakr, Hz. Omar, Hz. Ali and Hz. Uthman.
Initially, the calligrapher (who is unknown) wrote this Hilye on the cardboard and the illuminator, Sema Yurtseven, has uniquely designed and applied this harmonious and coherent illumination art. In the original artwork, real gold is used for the yellow parts you see here.
Huv’el Baki
Huve’l Baki means “Allah is everlasting”. It is one of his 99 names according to the Islamic faith. Huve’l Baqi is usually written on tombstones.
Initially, the calligrapher (who is unknown) wrote this Hilye on the cardboard and the illuminator, Sema Yurtseven, has uniquely designed and applied this harmonious and coherent illumination art. In the original artwork, real gold is used for the yellow parts you see here.
Hyacinth
This artwork was made with a muraqqa technique.
Muraqqa (Murakka) is an example of beautiful writing written on a paper glued on top of each other like cardboard. In the art of marbling, it is a form of sandy marbling with a thin sill drawn on the edges of the flowered marblings and arranged with a matching coloured battal on the outside. Tahrir is drawn in optional colours -usually gold or silver- around the sills.
Intensive Miniature Art Course
£180.00 – £220.00Step into the fascinating world of Turkish miniature painting, a centuries-old art form that combines storytelling, symbolism, and exquisite craftsmanship. Unlike Western painting traditions, miniature art offers a unique visual language where history, literature, and imagination come together in richly detailed compositions. This course provides an accessible introduction to this remarkable tradition, guiding participants through classical techniques while creating their own artworks inspired by authentic miniature designs. Whether you are new to traditional arts or looking to deepen your artistic practice, this course offers a rewarding journey into one of the most refined forms of Turkish cultural heritage.
The Course
This course is designed for those who wish to explore the art of miniature painting and learn the fundamentals of the classical miniature tradition through hands-on practice. The programme is based on designs prepared by the instructor, allowing participants to focus on understanding techniques, colour application, and the visual language of miniature art.
Course Content
- Introduction to the art of miniature painting and its historical background
- Composition and figure concepts in miniature art
- Animal figures: drawing and painting applications
- Scenes from the Mesnevi: narrative composition, scene arrangement, and painting techniques
- Colour application and the classical miniature style
Course Process
Throughout the course, participants work on animal and Mesnevi-themed designs prepared by the instructor. The process begins with transferring the drawing onto the paper, followed by step-by-step painting and detailing techniques. By the end of the course, participants will have completed two miniature paintings.
Materials
All materials required for the course are provided.
Learning Outcomes
- Understanding and applying the principles of the classical miniature style
- Developing painting and detailing skills using prepared designs
- Completing the course with two finished miniature artworks
About the Artist
Dr Sema Yurtseven is an artist specialising in the traditional Turkish arts, with a particular focus on illumination (tezhib) and miniature painting. She actively produces works in these classical art forms and adopts a meticulous, practice-based approach grounded in traditional techniques. Through her teaching, she aims to help participants understand the artistic process, develop technical confidence, and cultivate their own artistic expression.
For more information about the artist, please visit the Artists section of our website. You can also explore her artworks by clicking on her profile.
Istanbul is in my Hand (Printed)
The miniature artist, Sema Yurtseven, has uniquely designed and applied this harmonious and coherent miniature art. She inspired from her imagination and desire for keeping the historical city of Istanbul in her hands. As you may see, there are many micro-details which can only be seen by directly looking the original artwork with magnifying glass. In the original artwork, real gold is used for the yellow parts you see here.
Kufi “Allah”
Experience the divine beauty of Nazli Durmusoglu’s unique tezhib artwork, where classical illumination techniques and Kufic calligraphy come together in a harmonious blend of creativity and devotion. This exceptional piece, based on the combination of circles and hexagons, beautifully depicts Allah as the one and only God in Islam.
Kufi “Muhammed”
Discover the exquisite beauty of Nazli Durmusoglu’s unique tezhib artwork, where classical illumination techniques meet Kufic calligraphy in a harmonious blend of creativity and skill. This captivating piece honors the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) through a mesmerizing combination of circles and hexagons.
Lale-i Nazenin
The delicate beauty of Nazli Durmusoglu’s unique tezhib artwork, where tradition meets innovation. This enchanting Istanbul Tulip design, symbolizing two lovers embracing, is brought to life through the intricate hatching technique on watercolor.
Lale-i Nazenin (Kind Tulip)
The delicate beauty of Nazli Durmusoglu’s unique tezhib artwork, where tradition meets innovation. This enchanting Istanbul Tulip design, symbolizing two lovers embracing, is brought to life through the intricate hatching technique on watercolor.
Leather Swirl Marbled Notebook
An exceptional, hand-sewn leather notebook featuring near-identical marbled covers. The result of a rare collaboration between a master bookbinder and an Ebru artist.
Leaves & Colours: Nature Painting Workshop
£25.00Read the description part below for details – Ayrintilar icin asagidaki aciklama kismini okuyunuz
A Creative Texture Adventure is a sensory-focused painting workshop where children explore nature through leaves, textures, and colour. Using safe, child-friendly materials, children observe, experiment, and create freely in a calm and supportive environment—leaving with their own unique artwork inspired by nature.
Yaprak Baskı ile Doku Çalışması, çocukların doğayla bağ kurarak dokuları, şekilleri ve renkleri keşfettiği duyusal odaklı bir sanat atölyesidir.
Güvenli gıda boyaları ve doğal materyallerle gerçekleştirilen bu çalışmada çocuklar özgürce üretir, el–göz koordinasyonlarını geliştirir ve kendilerine ait benzersiz bir sanat eseriyle ayrılır.
Lilac Hyacinth Marbled Notebook
An exceptional, hand-sewn leather notebook featuring near-identical marbled covers. The result of a rare collaboration between a master bookbinder and an Ebru artist.
