TEZHIP

Originating as an Uyghur art form in the 9th century, Illumination thrived during the eras of the Timurids, Ottomans, and Mamelukes. Tezhip is derived from the Arabic root 'zeheb' and means gilding, adorning with gold. Female artists of this art are called müzehhibe, and male artists are also called müzehhip. They created intricate designs on paper for books and sheets (illuminated panels). The 18th century witnessed new motifs, adding depth and richness to this art form. Today, prominent Illumination artists include Gülnur Duran, Çiçek Derman, Şahin İnalöz, Cahide Keskiner, Ülker Erke, Melek Anter, and Münevver Üçer.

USE OF GOLD IN TEZHIP

Did you know that I use real gold in Tezhip Illumination Art?
In the Art of Tezhip Illumination, gold leaf is used to decorate intricate designs. This age-old tradition has been practiced for centuries and adds a touch of symbolic significance, visual impact, durability, contrast, and artistic versatility.

Gold has been widely used in Tezhip illumination for its unique properties and aesthetic appeal. Here are some key aspects of gold's use in illumination:
1. Symbolic Significance: Gold is used in illumination art to symbolize wealth, power, enlightenment, and divinity.
2. Visual Impact: Gold's radiance and reflective properties enhance the visual appeal of illuminated manuscripts and artworks.
3. Durability: Gold is resistant to corrosion and fading, ensuring the long-lasting preservation of gilded elements in illuminated works.
4. Contrast: Gold contrasts sharply against other colors and materials, emphasizing important elements in the artwork.
5. Artistic Versatility: Gold can be applied in different forms, such as gold leaf or paint, and various techniques can enhance its visual effects.

Classical Handicrafts Illumination (Tezhip) Exhibition

I am honored that my two pieces were showcased at the Aydın Classical Handicrafts Illumination (Tezhip) Exhibition, which took place in 2023 at the Cihanoglu Complex. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed, especially Elif Aydin.

TEZHIP ARTWORK 1: "TULIP SHUKUFE"

"Shukufe" is a transliteration of the Persian word شکوفه, which means "blossom". In botanical symbolism, flowers often symbolize beauty, growth, and renewal. Tulips are a popular and significant flower in many cultures, particularly Persian and Ottoman. In Persian literature, the tulip is often associated with love and passion. In the Ottoman Empire, the tulip symbolizes perfection and beauty. "Tulip Shukufe" refers to an illuminated design featuring a blossoming tulip, aligning with the practices of Tezhip, where the natural beauty of flowers is often represented in an abstract and stylized manner.

PROCESS OF "TULIP SHUKUFE"

THE FRAMING PROCESS of "TULIP SHUKUFE"

TEZHIP ARTWORK 2: "MAJESTIC ALIF" (ELIF)

Alif's Isolated Form ا

Letter name (Classical pronunciation) alif

Letter name in Arabic script أَلِف

ELIF (ALIF), signifying the first letter 'A' in the Arabic alphabet, bears profound symbolic and spiritual significance often linked to unity and singularity. The concept underscores recognizing the divine through the human form, mirroring the belief that humans are fashioned in God's image and carry a spark of the divine essence. This imbues humans with the potential for spiritual ascension and the quest for unity with the divine. The elongated vertical line of ELIF (ALIF), reminiscent of an upright human figure, represents the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Its stylized shape beautifully encapsulates the connection between heaven and earth, serving as a symbolic conduit linking the tangible and spiritual domains.

PROCESS oF "MAJESTIC ALIF"

TEZHIP ARTWORK 3: "ROSE SHUKUFE"

Shukufe is an artistic technique that employs flower motifs to create breathtakingly beautiful works of art. It refers to the unopened flowers and buds that inspire intricate designs. The rose, known for its delicate petals and intoxicating fragrance, is revered among poets and artists as the ultimate symbol of love and beauty. This regal flower is sometimes called the "sultan of flowers," a title that speaks to its majestic presence.

Creating shukufe art can be time-consuming, as it involves building up layers of color through repetitive brushstrokes. This technique, known as shading, results in a gradual gradient of color that adds depth and dimension to the work. While it may be a slow and tedious process, the end result is a seamless and stunning work of art that is well worth the effort. Whether incorporated into a painting, a piece of poetry, or a decorative piece of art, shukufe and its evocative flower motifs will surely add a touch of sophistication and elegance to any piece.

NATURAL AHER GLUE-MAKING PROCESS

To make natural aher glue that is suitable for use in artwork, you will need the following ingredients:

*1 teaspoon of water, *2 teaspoons of starch,

*Half a teaspoon of gelatin, *1 quantity of alum.

STEPS

1. Combine the water, starch, gelatin, and alum in a pot.

2. Cook the mixture until it reaches a custard-like consistency.

3. Once cooked, the glue does not deteriorate when placed on raw cardboard and helps keep insects away.

4. When working with artwork, use this glue as it makes it easy to clean the paint.

By following this process, you can create a natural aher glue.

Anisa's Tezhip Practices

GOLD BEATING PROCESS FOR TEZHIP

Materials:

Notebook, Gold leaf, A wide, cornerless glass dish, Strained honey (or Arabic gum), Distilled water

Step-by-step process:

1. Prepare your workspace by ensuring your hands are clean and free of creams or substances.

2. Place a drop of strained honey in the middle of the wide glass dish.

3. Take a sheet of gold leaf from the notebook and gently touch it to allow it to stick to your hand.

4. Begin crushing the gold leaf by rubbing it between your fingers and palm. Continue crushing for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

5. As the honey dries, add distilled water to the dish instead of more honey to prevent excessive stickiness.

6. The gold leaf will transform into small particles and eventually a fine powder during crushing.

7. Allow the crushed gold to spread naturally in the dish.

8. Once all the gold leaf sheets from the notebook have been crushed, the dish will contain a mixture of gold particles and honey.

9. Separate the gold from the honey by adding distilled water to the dish and stirring. The gold particles will move in the water, while the honey will settle at the bottom.

10. Carefully pour off the clear water on top, leaving the gold particles at the bottom of the dish.

11. Transfer the remaining gold particles to a small dish for further use or storage.

12. Allow the gold particles to settle in the small dish.

13. The next step would be transferring the gold particles from the small dish to another surface or container.

14. After allowing the gold to settle and removing the clear water from the top, you will see the gold particles sticking together in the dish.

15. Transfer the gold particles to a smaller dish to make it easier to work with. This can be done by carefully pouring the gold particles into the smaller dish.

16. To prevent the gold particles from sticking to the sides of the smaller dish, add distilled water to the dish. This will help create a smooth surface for the gold particles.

17. Gently stir the mixture in the smaller dish to ensure the gold particles are evenly distributed and to prevent them from clumping together.

18. Once the gold particles are well-distributed in the water, carefully pour off any excess water, leaving the gold particles in the smaller dish.

19. The gold particles are ready for further use at this stage. You can apply them directly to your desired artwork using a brush or other appropriate methods.

20. If you want to store the gold particles for later use, allow them to dry completely. This can be done by covering the smaller dish and letting it sit for approximately 2-3 hours, allowing the excess water to evaporate.

21. Once the gold particles have settled and the water has evaporated, the remaining gold can be used as desired by directly applying it or packaging it for future use.

CIHANOGLU COMPLEX

Anisa began her journey of learning Tezhip, also known as illumination and gilding, in September 2021 at Cihanoğlu Külliye in the Köprülü District of Aydın. The term "külliye" refers to a common social complex during the Ottoman Era. Cihanoğlu Külliye, built in 1756 by Cihanzade Müderris Abdülaziz Efendi, is an important example of the Ottoman Baroque style. Its square-plan units feature masonry walls, wooden roofs, and an opening to the courtyard with a low-arched door and rectangular window.

CİHANOĞLU KÜLLİYESİ in AYDIN

Techniques and Historical Context of Tezhip Illumination*

1. SHADED AND SCATTERED HALKARI TECHNIQUE

This process involves creating a shading effect with a brush. Gold droplets are added to leaf tips and gradually dispersed to the rest of the leaf. The key to this technique is decreasing the density of the gold particles the further they get from the tip. Although it requires significant time and effort, it's important that the brush strokes remain invisible.

2. VARIATIONS OF HALKARI

The real charm of Halkârî becomes evident after the final sealing process. Various techniques like Tahrirli halkâri, colored halkâri, semi-transparent halkâri, and halkâri with painted motifs are utilized. Tahrirli halkâri highlights the design against a light-colored backdrop, while semi-transparent halkâri uses semi-transparent ink. The painted motif halkâri technique needs two layers and, therefore, twice the time to complete.

3. AIRED TECHNIQUE

This process involves drawing decorative lines in parallel at equal intervals. Also referred to as 'havalı' (Aired) due to the space between the lines, this technique requires that the spacing is visually comfortable and in proportion to the size of the motif. Usually, two contrasting colors are used against the background, with small and simple motifs.

4. GOLD SPRINKLING TECHNIQUE

Also known as "sieve-based scattering", this technique involves putting gold leaf into a sieve-like box and using a dry brush to make the gold particles fall through the sieve onto a pre-moistened surface. Another variant artists employ is the brush scattering technique, where gold particles are combined with water, picked up with a brush, and sprinkled onto the surface.

CONCLUSION AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

As a visual representation of divine words, the art of calligraphy has been deeply revered across the traditional world. Tezhip aims to convey this divine word through intricate compositions, creating works that further disclose the divine word and captivate the audience. Even though the art of tezhip, complementing calligraphy, traces its origins to the 7th century, Its full bloom and fusion with writing occurred during the Ottoman era in the late 15th and 16th centuries. Tezhip art incorporates many motifs, including stylized motifs such as Rûmi, hatai, and münhani, alongside various floral, arboreal, and geometric designs.

* Techniques and Historical Context of Tezhip Illumination: Content Inspired by Article of Edip Yilmaz and Rumeysa Şimşek

REFERENCE LETTER

To Whom It May Concern,

As Anisa's Tezhip teacher, I have observed her exceptional abilities as an artist. She possesses a keen perception and has demonstrated a strong aptitude for hand skills in her work. Anisa has a natural talent for composition, and her pencil drawings and color perception are truly impressive.

In addition to her artistic talents, Anisa is a pleasure to work with. She is respectful and compatible with her surroundings, making her a joy to teach and be around.

I do not doubt that Anisa has the potential to excel in a variety of fields within the fine art industry. I wholeheartedly recommend her for any program or opportunity she may be seeking, and I believe she will make a valuable addition to any artistic community.

Sincerely,

MÜZEHHİBE ELİF AYDIN (December 29, 2022)

TURKISH REFERENCE LETTER

İlgiliye,

Anisa'nın Tezhip öğretmeni olarak, onun yeteneklerini sanatçı olarak gözlemlemekten mutluluk duydum. Algısı çok iyi ve el yeteneğine sahip olduğunu yaptığı işlerde göstermiştir. Anisa doğal bir yetenekle kompozisyon için, ve karakalem çizimleri ve renk algısı gerçekten etkileyicidir.

Sanatsal yeteneklerinin yanı sıra, kendisiyle calışırken keyif verici bir kişiliği vardır. Çevresine saygılı ve uyumlu olduğu için, ona öğretmek ve etrafında olmak keyiflidir.

Anisa'nın, güzel sanatlar endüstrisinin çeşitli alanlarında başarılı olma potansiyeline sahip olduğuna şüphem yoktur. Onu başvurduğu bir program veya fırsat için tavsiye ediyorum ve inanıyorum ki, herhangi parçası olacağı sanatsal topluluklara değerli bir katkıda bulunacaktır.

Saygılarımla,

MÜZEHHİBE ELİF AYDIN (29/12/2022)

INQUIRIES

If you need a fresh perspective for your design projects or want to commission artwork, please do not hesitate to contact Anisa. She is proficient in the Tezhip art style and would be happy to assist with your creative endeavors.

Additionally, you can visit her Youtube Channel to watch and learn about the creative process through the speedpaint videos and other content.