Enrollment Ends Oct 18!

Days
Hr
Min
S

LEARN

Islamic Geometric Art 

Instructed by Ali Karatay

Fill out our INTEREST FORM for English classes.

$225

$191

one-time payment

or three installments of $75/mo

Overview

This course is designed for hands-on learners—no complex calculations or advanced geometry skills required! With just a ruler (or a straight edge), a pencil, and a marker, you’ll create stunning Islamic geometric patterns.

Through step-by-step guided exercises, you’ll learn how to construct patterns just as Islamic artisans have done for centuries. Each lesson focuses on building patterns from foundational shapes, making it easy to follow and master effective techniques.

Key Points

Gallery of Student Works

Instructor

Dr. Ali Karatay

Artist, certified calligrapher, and art educator; ~20 years in design/advertising; former Head of Animation at Dokuz Eylül University; Visiting Professor at UC Davis (art–tech & art therapy). He has taught 200+ online students and leads the International Erguvan Art & Academy team.

Weekly Schedule

Topic:

  • Origins of Islamic geometric art and the role of sacred geometry
  • How to use a compass, ruler, and protractor
  • Overview of digital tools (Procreate, Illustrator)

Practical Activity:

  • Drawing perfect circles and straight lines
  • Understanding symmetry and proportions

Topics:

  • Significance of hexagonal structures in Islamic art
  • How to construct a 6-pointed star pattern
  • Techniques for tessellating hexagonal designs

Practical Activity:

  • Step-by-step creation of a 6-pointed star pattern
  • Applying tessellation techniques

Topics:

  • Historical and architectural use of octagonal designs
  • The 8-pointed star in Ottoman and Seljuk architecture
  • Composition rules and detailing techniques

Practical Activity:

  • Drawing an 8-pointed star pattern
  • Exploring color and shading techniques

Topics:

  • The role of 12-fold symmetry in Andalusian and Persian art
  • Advanced circle division techniques
  • Constructing geometric grids

Practical Activity:

  • Creating a 12-pointed star pattern
  • Experimenting with interwoven designs

Topics:

  • Analysis of 16-pointed star motifs
  • Large-scale applications in tilework and stone carvings
  • Studies in symmetry and proportion

Practical Activity:

  • Step-by-step drawing of a 16-pointed star
  • Exploring different composition techniques

Topics:

  • Mathematical structure of Girih knotwork patterns
  • Persian Girih motifs and their historical significance
  • Creating seamless interlocking designs

Practical Activity:

  • Drawing Girih patterns manually or digitally
  • Experimenting with interwoven designs

Topics:

  • What is Muqarnas, and how is it structured?
  • Three-dimensional surface decoration
  • Shading techniques for depth and realism

Practical Activity:

  • Constructing a basic Muqarnas pattern
  • Digital Muqarnas design exploration

Topics:

  • The fusion of Kufic calligraphy and geometry
  • Kufic script in geometric pattern formation
  • Minimalist Islamic art techniques

Practical Activity:

  • Creating Kufic-inspired patterns
  • Exploring both digital and hand-drawn variations

Topics:

  • Zellige patterns in Andalusian and Moroccan architecture
  • Composition of multi-colored geometric designs
  • Understanding color theory and harmony

Practical Activity:

  • Constructing a Zellige pattern
  • Applying colors and textures

Topics:

  • The history of Ottoman ceramic tile patterns
  • Geometric forms in traditional Iznik tilework
  • Application techniques on ceramics

Practical Activity:

  • Drawing an Ottoman tile pattern
  • Coloring and embellishing designs

Topics:

  • Creating an original pattern design
  • Integrating symmetry, composition, and embellishment techniques
  • Working with both digital and traditional mediums

Practical Activity:

  • Designing and coloring your final artwork

Topics:

  • Student project presentations and critiques
  • Guidance for further studies in geometric art
  • Certification process and portfolio development

Final Project Submission:

  • Showcasing completed projects and receiving feedback

Ready for your own Kufi journey?

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