Ottoman Tile Painting on Paper | Rumi & Şemse from Yeni Cami | Nagihan Seymour

Ottoman Tile Painting on Paper | Rumi & Şemse from Yeni Cami | Nagihan Seymour

Step into the world of Ottoman design and discover the elegance of traditional pattern-making inspired by the iconic tiles of Istanbul Yeni Cami.Led by Nagihan Seymour, this 3-hour immersive workshop explores the flowing beauty of Rumi motifs and the balanced geometry of Şemse compositions, revealing how these timeless elements come together in one harmonious design.

Date: Saturday, 16 May 2026
Time: 3–6 PM
Venue: Yunus Emre Institute, 10 Maple Street, London W1T 5HA
Fee (all materials provided): £50
Capacity: Max. 15 participants
Instructor: Nagihan Seymour

Age requirement: This workshop has age restrictions (16+). Please check individual event details before booking.

Suitable For

All levels are welcome.

Materials

All materials provided.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• Learn the fundamentals of Ottoman pattern structure
• Practice essential Rumi forms and stylised motifs
• Understand symmetry and repetition in Islamic art
• Create and paint their own tile-inspired artwork on paper

After the Workshop

By the end of the session, participants will leave with a finished piece and a deeper appreciation for the rhythm, precision, and beauty of traditional arts.

About the Instructor

Nagihan Seymour is a UK-based Turkish artist. Although trained as a materials engineer, she has been deeply engaged with art since her university years. She began studying traditional arts privately in Istanbul in 2008 under Hanifi Dursun, learning both the techniques and the discipline of the tradition.

Manuscript illumination became the central focus of her practice, and over time she developed a distinctive style that combines sacred geometry with classical illumination, bringing a contemporary interpretation to an ancient art form. Her first solo exhibition, Reflection and Illumination, was held at The Lightbox Gallery in Woking in March 2017 and became one of the gallery’s bestselling exhibitions.

Website: www.nagihanseymour.com
Instagram: @nagihanseymour

Workshop Policies and Guidelines

• The workshop is primarily taught in English, but some terminology may be in Turkish. Your instructor will clarify any terms or concepts as needed during the class.
• For your safety and comfort, we recommend avoiding wearing loose clothing, especially items with large cuffs and neckties, during classes.
• While the Institute strives to maintain a safe learning environment, students are reminded that they are solely responsible for the security of their personal belongings. The Institute assumes no liability for any loss or damage to personal items incurred during course activities.
• The Institute endeavors to maintain a conducive learning environment by ensuring that courses meet a minimum enrollment. If this requirement is not met by the end of the registration period, the Institute reserves the right to cancel the course/ workshop one day prior to its scheduled start. In such cases, any course fees paid by enrolled students will be promptly refunded in full. Refunds will be processed to the student’s designated bank account, unless the course was purchased online, in which case refunds will be issued via PayPal.
• Applicants can withdraw their application without incurring any charges up until the commencement date of the workshop. No refunds will be issued for withdrawals made after the day of the workshop.
• Photography and videos may be taken during classes for archival and promotional purposes. Your participation in the class implies consent for us to use these materials. If you prefer not to be photographed or filmed, please inform your instructor.
• Your feedback is valuable to us. If you have any suggestions or concerns regarding the class structure or content, please feel free to discuss them with your instructor, the administrative staff or the coordinator at londra@yee.org.tr

By enrolling in the course, students acknowledge their understanding and acceptance of the aforementioned terms and conditions.