Scripts 'n' Scribes

09/17/2026

Our fall lectures with Deniz Öktem-Bektaş
will focus on three influential Islamic calligraphy masters from the past and present.

September 19 (10 am- 10:45 am ET) - Hasan Çelebi: Becoming a Master Calligrapher to play a unique role in the revival of a traditional art.

October 17 (10 am - 10:45 am ET) - Mohamed Zakariya: An Exceptional Calligrapher and his significant services to the art of Calligraphy.

November 14 (9 am - 9:45 am ET) - Emin Barın: How An Extraordinary Calligrapher and Bookbinder Combined Graphic Design with Calligraphy to Create Modern Compositions.

Recordings will be available for a limited time.

05/01/2026

Join us for a four-day, guided deep dive into classical Arabic calligraphy and manuscript traditions in Istanbul, Türkiye, on August 2-5, 2026. Participants will learn the foundational principles of classical scripts in-depth and work directly with several master instructors to develop their skills.

Prior experience with Thuluth and/or Naskh calligraphy is necessary. Not suitable for complete beginners.

Open to ages 21 and up.

Link in bio (https://www.scriptsnscribes.com/calligraphy2026)

04/29/2026

This online workshop with explores the rich traditions of Rika and Kufic calligraphy, two distinct yet historically significant styles within Arabic script. Students will examine the origins, cultural contexts, and aesthetic principles that define each form, gaining both theoretical understanding and practical experience.

Link in bio for details

11/26/2025

Join us for an in-person intro workshop with Elinor Aishah Holland, , where you will learn the earliest style of the Arabic alphabet used to write the Qur’an.

In this 3-hour workshop, we will get hands-on experience with the traditional tools of calligraphy and practice writing Kufic letters and a small sentence in the script.

Open to everyone, ages 13 and up.
Space is limited.
Link in bio (https://www.scriptsnscribes.com/kufic-script-2026

07/28/2025

This 4-week online lecture series with offers an exploration of Islamic calligraphy, focusing on influential figures, traditions, and classical script styles.

This course is ideal for anyone interested in Islamic art, history, and the spiritual beauty of the written word.

Week 1 (Sept 13)- Mustafa Halim Özyazıcı: A Prolific Master of the early Turkish Republic.

Week 2 (Sept 20)-Hilye-i- Sharif: The Love for Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Calligraphy

Week 3 (Sept 27- Jali Thuluth

Week 4 (Oct 4)- Meet significant masters from the past

Link in bio
Website: https://www.scriptsnscribes.com/gateway-to-a-sacred-art2025

06/16/2025

In this 5-week online workshop with , you will learn the history and fundamentals of a classical script that was developed during the Ottoman times.

This course is suitable for complete beginners who are interested in exploring Arabic calligraphy.

Link in bio

05/06/2025

In this 4-week online series with , participants will learn to design and paint intricate Shamsa patterns inspired by traditional Iznik tile motifs.

Each week, we will explore a different motif - Rumi, clouds, stylized flowers, and semi-stylized flowers.

Link in bio (https://www.scriptsnscribes.com/shamsa-iznik-2025)

Course Schedule:
-Week 1 (June 10 and 12): Rumi Motifs in Iznik Shamsa Patterns
-Week 2 (June 17 and 19): Cloud Motifs (Bulut)
-Week 3 ( June 24 and 26): Stylized Floral Motifs
-Week 4 (July 1 and July 3): Semi-Stylized Floral Motifs

05/02/2025

This online 4-week workshop with continues from Intro to Naskh Script I, with a greater emphasis on providing feedback on the students' work. The instructor will briefly introduce a new weekly lesson that includes a few variations of each letter combination.

During our final session, the instructor will do a special presentation on The Noble Hilye of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We will delve into the importance of the Hilye-i Sharif in written form in Islamic calligraphy.

Prerequisite: Completion of "Intro to Naskh Part I" or equivalent beginner-level proficiency in the Naskh script for continuing students.

More details in bio
https://www.scriptsnscribes.com/naskh-script2-2025

03/21/2025

03/03/2025

Our upcoming 5-week online workshop with Lubna Zahid
April 25 - May 23 (5 Fridays) | 11 am - 2 pm ET

In this course, you will learn the foundational principles of Nim Qalam, including precision drawing, shading, and ink-wash techniques to create depth and subtle tonal variations.

Nim qalam in Persian means “half pen” while Siyah means “black.” Derived from Persian and Mughal artistic traditions, Siyah Qalam is a drawing technique that utilizes black ink or paint to create expressive monochrome artworks.