London Craft Week: Turkish Treasures: Embroidery, the Art of Illumination, Paper Marbling, and Culinary Delights!

Building upon achievements in the previous years, Yunus Emre Institute London is proud to announce its participation in London Craft Week for the seventh consecutive year. Once again, the Institute is bringing Türkiye’s delicious cuisine and rich arts for London to enjoy! 

Joining over 700 fantastic established and emerging makers, designers, brands and galleries from around the world, Yunus Emre Institute London is delighted to be taking part in celebrating British and international creativity again for London Craft Week this spring! Taking place between the 13th and 19th of May at the Institute in Fitzrovia, the theme this year is Turkish Treasures: Embroidery, the Art of Illumination, Paper Marbling, and Culinary Delights! Participants will have the opportunity to take part in workshops, demonstrations, talks and more with master artists and world-class chefs to explore Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage and cherish (also taste) Türkiye’s famous cuisine.

Under the concept of “Turkish Treasures: Embroidery, the Art of Illumination, Paper Marbling, and Culinary Delights,” the Institute presents a series of workshops and demonstrations that will take you on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. Nagihan Seymour will bring the Turkish Art of illumination to life, intertwining it with the iconic patterns of William Morris. This blend of traditional and modern art forms creates a visual narrative that tells a story with each stroke of her brush. Transitioning from the visual to the tactile, Dilara Karaağaç will demonstrate the art of Paper Marbling Ebru. She will guide pigments on water to create unique designs, each piece a testament to the fluidity of this art form. This is not just an art demonstration, it is a journey into the heart of Turkish culture. From the visual and tactile, we move to the culinary. The awarded Chef Ali Açıkgül will guide participants on a culinary journey as he unveils the secrets of Vegan Recipes from Anatolia. He will also introduce the concept of Anatolia’s Zero Waste Kitchen, demonstrating how sustainability can be integrated into our daily cooking practices. Finally, Rümeysa Memiş will guide participants through the art of Turkish Embroidery. Each stitch is a narrative, each pattern a memory. This is not just a workshop, it is a journey through time, a celebration of the art of storytelling through embroidery. Adding to the richness of the event, Gulnaz Mahboob will introduce participants to the art of calligraphy. In her workshop, participants will learn the delicate strokes and techniques of this ancient art form and will have the opportunity to create personalised items. This hands-on experience not only teaches the skill of calligraphy but also allows participants to create a tangible memory of their cultural journey.

To complement the workshops and demonstrations, there will also be a traditional Turkish arts exhibition taking place at Yunus Emre Institute. This exhibition will feature original artworks from esteemed artists such as Nagihan Seymour, Gulnaz Mahboob, Ahmed Sacit Açıkgözoğlu, Rümeysa Memiş, Dilara Karaağaç, Sema Yekeler Yurtseven, Sevim Hacıöztürk Çakır,  and Demet Tokbay. This is a unique opportunity to witness the beauty and intricacy of Turkish art firsthand, and to appreciate the talent and craftsmanship of these remarkable artists. The exhibition will serve as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Turkey, further enhancing the immersive experience of the event. 

The events will take place from 13-19 May 2024, from 11 am to 9 pm at Yunus Emre Institute, located at 10 Maple Street, W1T 5HA. This event is not just a showcase, it is an invitation to experience, learn, and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Turkey. Join and discover the enchantment of Turkish treasures. 

Yunus Emre Institute London has welcomed hundreds of attendees for London Craft Week over the past six years. Whether you are a chef or simply love food, an artist or an art enthusiast, this is a perfect opportunity to explore Turkish arts and cuisine! 

For more information and to sign up to the fantastic events running, please visit Yunus Emre Institute London website: https://yeelondon.org.uk/lcw2024/