Notes from the Atelier

Blog

Craft, technique and the stories behind the works.

Featured·7 July 2026

What Is a Tughra? The Art of the Ottoman Sultan's Emblem

The parts, history and significance of the tughra, the sultan's signature and seal, and why it is deemed a masterpiece.

Read article →

7 July 2026

Walnut or Ebony? A Material Guide to Wood Art

The hardwoods most used in wooden works; their differences in colour, hardness, grain and durability.

7 July 2026

What Is Mother-of-Pearl Inlay?

The inlay art in which glowing nacre is set piece by piece into dark wood; its technique, materials and finesse.

7 July 2026

A Gift Guide to Islamic Art: Weddings, Openings, Graduations

Work suggestions by occasion, for choosing a meaningful and lasting gift on special days.

7 July 2026

The Meaning of the Letter Vav and Its Place in Sufism

Vav, calligraphy's most beloved letter; its shape, abjad value and the 'union' symbolism it carries in Sufism.

7 July 2026

Ottoman Calligraphy Schools and the Great Masters

From Sheikh Hamdullah to Hafiz Osman: a short history of how calligraphy became an 'Istanbul style' under the Ottomans.

7 July 2026

Why Is There No Figuration in Islamic Art?

Geometry, calligraphy and vegetal ornament instead of depiction: the subtlety and philosophy behind figure-free art.

7 July 2026

Rumi and Hatayi: The Two Core Motifs of Islamic Ornament

Two foundational motifs that form the language of every tile, illumination and wood ornament: rumi and hatayi. What sets them apart?

7 July 2026

How to Choose and Hang a Calligraphy Panel

A practical guide to text, scale, light and space when choosing a calligraphy or tile work.

7 July 2026

What Is Iznik Tile? History, Colours and Motifs

The secret of Iznik tile, which peaked in the 16th century: coral red, the underglaze technique and saz-style motifs.

7 July 2026

What Is Naht? Bringing Calligraphy to Wood

Naht is the art of writing a letter by carving or inlaying it into wood; where patience meets calligraphy.

7 July 2026

Illumination or Miniature? Their Differences and Meeting Point

Both work with gold and natural pigment, but one is ornament and the other is painting. We explain the difference simply.

21 June 2026

Arakiyeci Ibrahim Cavus: In the Wake of a Dream

A humble cap-maker's journey to Baghdad in the wake of a dream, the treasure he found in his own cellar, and the mosque that bears his name.

21 June 2026

Thuluth vs Naskh: What Is the Difference?

A plain-language guide to the proportions, pen and uses that separate two classical scripts.

21 June 2026

Handmade Woodcraft: Following a Tradition

Why is handmade woodwork special? Material, technique and the tradition of mastery.

21 June 2026

Caring for a Wooden Artwork: 5 Practical Tips

How to keep your handmade wooden piece looking like new for years.

21 June 2026

How Are Pattern and Colour Made in Tile Art?

The colour secret of underglaze tile is cobalt and turquoise turning to glass at high heat.

21 June 2026

What Is Tezhip? The Craft of Gold Illumination

Tezhip is the art of illuminating manuscripts and panels with gold and natural pigments.