Ottoman Ebru Masterclass in Sultanahmet | Traditional Marbling Techniques

Sufi Culture & Whirling Dervish Ceremony in a Monastery

Ebru Art: Turkish Paper Marbling is an aqueous surface design technique that, as the name suggests, can provide patterns resembling marble or other stones. Color is floated atop either clear water or a thick solution called size, creating patterns, which are then meticulously transferred to a piece of paper (or other surfaces such as fabric). Although you can design typical Ottoman-style floral figures in Ebru art, the possibilities with this art are virtually endless. Your imagination is all that is needed.

The technique of marbling involves sprinkling and brushing color pigments on a tray of greasy water to create vibrant patterns, which are then transferred onto paper. A deep tray made of unknotted pinewood, brushes made of horsehair tied to straight rose twigs, natural earth pigments, cattle gall, and tragacanth are the distinctive instruments of the profession. It is thought to have been created in Turkistan around the thirteenth century. After thereafter, this ornamental art extended to China, India, Persia, and Anatolia. Marbling was a technique employed by Seljuk and Ottoman calligraphers and painters to embellish books, imperial decrees, official communications, and documents.

Everyday 2 Hours Ebru Art Lessons in Sultanahmet / Istanbul.
** Our teachers are local Turkish Artisans and have experience in teaching.
** Morning and Afternoon Ebru Marbling sessions

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