Information Package / Course Catalogue
Paper Art Workshop I
Course Code: İL381
Course Type: Area Elective
Couse Group: First Cycle (Bachelor's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement: N/A
Theory: 0
Prt.: 2
Credit: 1
Lab: 0
ECTS: 4
Objectives of the Course

The Paper Art course aims to present katı’ (paper cutting), a prominent form within traditional Turkish-Islamic ornamental arts, through both theoretical and practical dimensions. The course is designed to enable students to understand the historical evolution, aesthetic values, and technical practices of katı’ art, and to develop the knowledge, skills, and sensitivity required to create original designs. Additionally, the course seeks to foster awareness of traditional arts, promote an understanding of cultural heritage, and encourage its sustainable continuation through contemporary interpretations.

Course Content

This course covers the history, development, and application techniques of katı’ (paper cutting), one of the traditional Turkish-Islamic ornamental arts. It explores the relationship of paper art with other classical arts such as calligraphy, illumination, and miniature painting, and introduces the materials used, types of motifs, and compositional principles. Throughout the course, students will begin with vegetal and geometric motifs and progress toward developing original designs and producing individual projects. Through hands-on practice, the course aims to enhance students’ manual skills and cultivate an aesthetic appreciation for traditional arts.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.Explains the history, development process, and significance of paper art within the context of Islamic arts.
2.Identifies the tools, equipment, and materials used in paper art and explains their functions.
3.Applies fundamental paper art techniques (cutting, carving, and pasting) through hands-on practice.
4.Produces original designs by interpreting vegetal and geometric motifs using the paper art technique.
5.Prepares and executes paper art compositions in relation to Islamic calligraphy.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Mesara, G. (1991). Paper Carving in Turkish Art. Ankara: Türkiye İş Bankası Cultural Publications.
2.Kaçar, G. (2025). Traditional Turkish Handicrafts: Katı’. Uşak: Mevzu Publishing.
3.Ferrari Kançal, N. (2016). Representation: Islamic Visual Culture Between Theory and Practice. Istanbul: Klasik Publishing.
4.İrepoğlu, G. (2014). The Rose. Istanbul: Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing.
5.İrepoğlu, G. (2017). The Tulip. Istanbul: Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts Publishing.
6.Duran, G. (2021). Ali Üsküdari: Master of Illumination and Varnish, Painter of Flowers. Istanbul: Kubbealtı Publications.
7.Şerifoğlu, Ö. F. (2020). A. Süheyl Ünver’s Lâlezâr-ı Süheylî: The Passion for Tulips in Our History. Istanbul: Albaraka Publishing.
8.Çağman, F. (2014). Paper Art. Istanbul: Aygaz Publications.
9.Ekizler Sönmez, S. (2018). Mosques of Mimar Sinan and Geometric Patterns in Islamic Art. 1st ed. Istanbul: Klasik Publishing.
10.Birol, İ. A., & Derman, Ç. (2004). Motifs in Turkish Decorative Arts. 1st ed. Istanbul: Kubbealtı Publications.
11.Akar, A., & Keskiner, C. (1978). Patterns and Motifs in Turkish Decorative Arts. 1st ed. Istanbul: Tercüman Art and Culture Publications.
12.Ekizler Sönmez, S. (2020). The Geometric Language of Seljuk Art (Vol. I–II–III). Istanbul: Ketebe Publishing.
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Practice
Definition, History of thePaper Art and Its Relationship with Theological Sciences
Week 1 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 2 - Practice
Development of Paper Art: Samples and Artists from the Ottoman Period
Week 2 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 3 - Practice
Introduction to Tools, Materials, and Their Functions
Week 3 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 4 - Practice
Basic Paper Art Techniques: Cutting, Carving, and Pasting
Week 4 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 5 - Practice
Color Theory and Color Groups
Week 5 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 6 - Practice
Coloring Techniques and Dyeing of Paper
Week 6 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 7 - Practice
Symmetrical Pattern Cutting – Reproduction Practice
Week 7 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 8 - Practice
“Female” and “Male” Paper Carving – Reproduction Practice
Week 8 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 9 - Practice
Reproduction of Floral Motifs Samples – Practice I
Week 9 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 10 - Practice
Reproduction of Floral Motifs Samples – Practice II
Week 10 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 11 - Practice
Reproduction of Geometric Patterns Samples – Practice I
Week 11 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 12 - Practice
Reproduction of Geometric Patterns Samples – Practice II
Week 12 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 13 - Practice
Reproduction of Calligraphic (Hüsn-i Hat) Samples – Practice
Week 13 - Preparation Work
A Review of Relevant Books, Articles, Theses, and Online Sources within the Scope of the Subject
Week 14 - Practice
Framing of Completed Works and General Evaluation
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Converting Visual Data Pertaining to the Relevant Topics into a PowerPoint Presentation
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Attending Lectures1%5
Verbal Examination1%5
Midterm Examination1%30
Final Examination1%60
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory32212
Term Project1314
Studio Work114266
Individual Work1224
Midterm Examination1426
Final Examination1628
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)100
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
PÇ-9
PÇ-10
PÇ-11
PÇ-12
PÇ-13
PÇ-14
PÇ-15
PÇ-16
PÇ-17
PÇ-18
PÇ-19
PÇ-20
OÇ-1
3
4
4
OÇ-2
3
4
OÇ-3
3
3
4
OÇ-4
3
3
4
4
OÇ-5
4
4
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026