Istanbul Calligraphy Immersion
4-day classical Calligraphy Immersion Program
Aug 2-5, 2026 | Istanbul, Türkiye
Cost: $800
Space is limited | For ages 21 and up
Max capacity: 12 participants
Join us for a four-day, guided deep dive into classical Arabic calligraphy and manuscript traditions in Istanbul, Türkiye, in August 2026. Participants will learn the foundational principles of classical scripts in-depth and work directly with several master instructors to develop their skills.
You will immerse yourself in the art of Arabic calligraphy—specifically Thuluth and Naskh—guided by expert calligraphy instructors through personalized, hands-on instruction. The program will further provide you with demonstrations by master artists on multiple elaborate techniques involved in completing a calligraphy piece, including mounting, gilding, and creating decorative borders.
To conclude the immersive experience, each participant will craft their own calligraphy album under the guidance of our master bookbinder to take home and share with family and friends.
Prior experience with the Thuluth and/or Naskh scripts is necessary. This program is not suitable for complete beginners.
Our Instructors:
Deniz Öktem Bektaş
Mustafa Çelebi
Osman Doruk
Muhammad Melifini Hobe
Elinor Aishah Holland
Dila Özşahin
What you’ll experience:
Hands-on instruction in classical calligraphy
Workshops in traditional techniques and tools
Historical lectures and contextual learning
A supportive community of fellow learners
Dedicated time to develop and refine your practice
What’s Included in the program costs:
Tuition for all 7 sessions
Materials for all classes, excluding calligraphy materials.
Lunch/snacks on day 1 and day 2, and snacks and refreshments on day 4. Lunch on day 3 is not included.
What’s NOT included in the program costs:
Flights
Accommodations
Transportation
Calligraphy Materials
Lunch on Day 3
Other meals (excluding lunch on days 1 and 2 and snacks/refreshments on day 4)
All sessions will take place in Üsküdar/Istanbul. Please refer to the FAQs for hotel recommendations
List of materials you’ll need for the calligraphy workshops (some materials will be sold onsite (cash only)):
Reed/bamboo/Java (1 mm for Naskh and 2-3 mm for Thuluth)
Black Ink (non-waterproof)
Inkwell and Lika (silk thread)
Glossy white paper (practice paper)
Slanted board/Cushion for writing (optional)
Pen-cutting knife (optional)
For any questions regarding the materials or the program, please get in touch with us at: info@scriptsnscribes.com.
Cost: $800 (50% non-refundable deposit required AT registration)
Max capacity: 12 participants.
Please book in advance to secure your spot!