Istanbul: Turkish Marbling Paper Ebru Art Workshop
Learn the centuries-old craft of Turkish marbling (Ebru) in this hands-on workshop. Create your own beautiful artwork while enjoying a cultural experience in Istanbul.
Overview
Turkish marbling (Ebru) is an ancient art form that has been practiced for centuries, and now you have the opportunity to learn this stunning technique in Istanbul. This workshop is a wonderful chance to dive into the fascinating world of Ebru art, where you’ll get to work with vibrant colors and the flowing water that is central to the process. The session is led by a professional instructor, who will guide you through each step of creating your own marbled artwork. Whether you are an art lover or a complete beginner, this workshop is a perfect way to explore the art of Ebru in a relaxed, fun environment.
The workshop begins with a short introduction to the history and significance of Turkish marbling. You'll learn about the origins of this beautiful art form and how it evolved throughout the centuries, particularly within the Ottoman Empire. The instructor will explain the tools and materials used in the marbling process, including the special inks, brushes, and water used to create the flowing designs. Once you have a basic understanding of the process, you will dive straight into creating your own marbled paper. The hands-on approach ensures that you not only watch but also practice and create your very own masterpiece.
As you work through the steps, the instructor will demonstrate how to add colors to the water, make various swirling patterns, and transfer the colors to the paper. Each participant will have the chance to create a piece of artwork that they can take home, providing a wonderful souvenir from your time in Istanbul. The experience is structured to be easy for beginners, while still allowing those with some art experience to express their creativity. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions and receive one-on-one guidance from the instructor.
The workshop is held in a cozy and welcoming environment that fosters creativity and learning. As you work on your marbled paper, you’ll also enjoy some traditional Turkish tea and delights, making for an authentic cultural experience. These refreshments are the perfect way to relax and enjoy the surroundings as you focus on your artwork. The instructor will provide tips and tricks on how to improve your technique as you go, ensuring that you leave the workshop with both a beautiful piece of art and a deeper appreciation for this historic craft.
In addition to learning the marbling technique, you’ll also gain insight into the role that marbling plays in Turkish culture and art. The workshop is designed to be not just an artistic lesson but also an educational experience, giving you a deeper connection to the heritage and customs of Turkey. As you create your marbled artwork, you’ll be immersed in a tradition that has been passed down through generations, making this workshop a unique and meaningful experience during your visit to Istanbul.
Select date, participants and language
Highlights
- ● Create your own marbled artwork to take home as a souvenir.
- ● Learn the ancient art of Turkish marbling (Ebru) from a skilled instructor.
- ● Enjoy traditional Turkish tea and delights during the workshop.
- ● Experience a creative and educational journey into Turkish art and culture.
- ● Take home a piece of Istanbul’s artistic heritage.
What's Included and What's Not?
Included
- All equipment for Turkish Marbling - Ebru Workshop (Tray, Paper, Brushes, Droppers, Metal Pins, etc.)
- Workshop Uniform
- Gloves
- Water
- Turkish Coffee
- Turkish delights and snacks
Not Included
- Hotel pick up and drop off
Important Information
Information Before Booking
- ●Suitable for all skill levels; no previous experience required.
- ●Workshop is family-friendly; children must be accompanied by an adult.
- ●The workshop involves standing and using your hands, so comfortable clothing and footwear are recommended.
- ●Manual dexterity is needed for handling the tools during the marbling process.
Know Before You Go
- ●The workshop includes all marbling supplies, an apron, and packaging for your artwork to ensure it is safely transported home.
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Jorik van Dalen - Netherlands
04 May
I did this activity with my 11-year-old daughter, and we had a great time. The host was fantastic and made it really fun. The spot itself has amazing views such a nice experience! Just a heads-up: you’ll need to come back the next day to pick up your prints, so it’s best not to plan this for you...
Read More
Greta Schröder - Germany
10 May
This workshop was fantastic! The instructor and her husband were really friendly and made the whole experience fun while walking us through all the steps to create some beautiful art. We were pleasantly surprised by how many pieces we got to make. Just keep in mind you’ll need to return the next d...
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Customer Reviews
All reviews are from verified customers who purchased the activity. Reviews can only be submitted after the activity takes place.
Overall Rating
4.9/5
Based on 13 Reviews
4.9/5
4.9/5
4.9/5
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By Traveler Types
By star rating
04 May
I did this activity with my 11-year-old daughter, and we had a great time. The host was fantastic and made it really fun. The spot itself has amazing views such a nice experience! Just a heads-up: you’ll need to come back the next day to pick up your prints, so it’s best not to plan this for your last day in town. Definitely recommend it!
Helpful? Yes
10 May
This workshop was fantastic! The instructor and her husband were really friendly and made the whole experience fun while walking us through all the steps to create some beautiful art. We were pleasantly surprised by how many pieces we got to make. Just keep in mind you’ll need to return the next day to pick up your work since it needs time to dry.
Helpful? Yes
17 May
Betül was super friendly and made everyone feel really welcome. She has a calm way of teaching and explains things clearly, which is perfect for beginners. You can tell she has years of experience she shared lots of interesting facts about the art while guiding us through each step. Her English is great too, so communication was easy. The way the workshop is set up helps you gain confidence as you go. You start with simple shapes and before you know it, you're creating more detailed pieces. We had plenty of chances to practice and ended up making about 5 or 6 artworks to take home. At the end, you even get to try your own design freestyle. It was a really fun and rewarding experience I’d definitely recommend it!
Helpful? Yes
25 May
This was one of the highlights of my trip to Istanbul. Betul was so generous with her time and knowledge super patient and easy to talk to. A tip: hold off on buying art souvenirs until you're there. The building has multiple levels, including a workshop, a store filled with beautiful handmade pieces by Betul’s family and local artists, and an amazing panoramic view of the Bosphorus.
Helpful? Yes
30 May
In one word amazing! We booked the workshop on a whim because I was curious about Ebru, one of the oldest art forms in the world. When we arrived, Mr. Ali and his wife Betül gave us such a warm and friendly welcome. The studio is in a perfect spot near Topkapi Palace, and the workshop takes place on the third floor. They even have a rooftop with a stunning view over the Bosphorus. Both instructors were incredibly supportive throughout, always nearby to guide us and help us get the best results. The whole experience was peaceful and enjoyable, with relaxing music playing in the background. We were also served as much Turkish tea and coffee as we liked, which was a lovely touch. My wife and I can absolutely recommend this to anyone visiting Istanbul. It’s the perfect way to unwind while learning something new, and meeting such a kind and lovely couple was the cherry on top. Thank you so much, Mr. Ali and Mrs. Betül!
Helpful? Yes
04 June
We absolutely loved this Ebru workshop! Ali is such a patient and passionate teacher. He made this traditional and detailed art form feel simple and approachable, and the whole experience was really calming and enjoyable. I’d absolutely recommend it Ali’s guidance puts you completely at ease. My family and I had such a great time making our own beautiful pieces to take home, and they’ll always remind us of the amazing culture and unforgettable memories we made in Istanbul.
Helpful? Yes
13 June
Wonderful local experience with such warm and welcoming hosts. We got to create several pieces of artwork to take home, which made it even more special.
Helpful? Yes
24 June
My daughter and I really enjoyed the marbling class. It was a lot of fun, and we learned lots of different techniques. Betul is an amazing teacher very patient and encouraging. I’d definitely recommend this class or any other workshops she offers.
Helpful? Yes
30 June
I really enjoyed learning how to do Turkish Marbling. I felt very welcome, and my tutor was excellent she explained and showed everything clearly. They even served me Turkish tea and a traditional milk custard pudding, which was a nice touch. I’d recommend this workshop to anyone; it’s fun for kids but also offers a good challenge for artists.
Helpful? Yes
03 July
On our recent trip to Istanbul, we joined an Ebru marbling workshop led by Ali. The two-hour session was really fun and engaging, and Ali guided us expertly as we made our own unique pieces. It was a great way to get a hands-on feel for traditional Turkish art. Above all, we really appreciated the warm and friendly atmosphere Ali created.
Helpful? Yes
07 July
The workshop moved at a nice, relaxed pace with a lot of focus on the details in a lovely studio. I left feeling energized and inspired by the creative process of Ebru it was a really mindful experience.
Helpful? Yes
13 July
It was really fun and simple to learn, thanks to a patient and great teacher. We created some beautiful pieces of art. I’d definitely recommend this class.
Helpful? Yes
16 July
We had an incredible experience with Ali and his wonderful wife. Their warm welcome and Ali’s vibrant personality truly brightened our trip! Learning about Ebru art was such a joy, and the terrace view was simply stunning. I’d highly recommend this to anyone. Absolutely loved it!
Helpful? Yes
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