Turkish Marbling Paper Workshop
Create your own Ebru art pieces in a private workshop with a view of the Bosphorus.
What you'll experience
Ebru, or Turkish marbling, is one of the oldest decorative arts in Istanbul. You drop paint onto water, breathe on it, and coax it into swirling patterns that come out different every time. The workshop is led by Betul, a Mimar Sinan Fine Arts graduate who has taught Turkish arts since 2010. She takes you through the traditional techniques step by step, you make your own marble paintings, and you take them home dried and ready to frame. It runs in a studio in Sultanahmet with a rooftop terrace that looks out over the city.
- All materials — pigments, tools, water tray, and paper
- Three traditional techniques
- Turkish tea and a warm family welcome
- Your finished dried Ebru paintings to take home
- Rooftop terrace access with panoramic Istanbul views
- Transportation to/from the studio
Learn the Art of Ebru
Settle in with a warm welcome and hear the history of Turkish marbling, an art practised in Ottoman studios for centuries and still going today. Betul shares the techniques, the tools, and the stories behind this old craft.
Create Your Masterpiece
Get your hands on the tools and try three classic Ebru techniques: stone, comb, and flower designs. Drop the pigments, guide them with a stylus, and watch the patterns form on the water in real time. Every piece is unique, and no two ever come out the same.
Sip Tea & Enjoy the View
While your paintings dry, take a break with a cup of Turkish tea, chat with Betul and her family, and step out onto the rooftop terrace for one of the best views in Istanbul. This is the part guests always mention in their reviews.
Take Your Art Home
Once dry, your Ebru paintings are yours to keep, ready to roll up, frame, or gift. A souvenir you made yourself, in Istanbul, with your own hands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any art experience to join the Ebru workshop?
No experience is needed. Betul, a Mimar Sinan Fine Arts graduate who has taught Turkish arts since 2010, guides you through three traditional techniques step by step.
Can I take my Ebru paintings home the same day?
Yes. Your finished marble paintings are dried and ready to take home and frame at the end of the workshop.
How much does the workshop cost?
It starts from $60 per person, and the price scales with your group size. Since this is a private workshop, it is just for your group.
What materials do I need to bring?
Nothing. All materials are included, including pigments, tools, the water tray, and paper. You will also be served Turkish tea.
Where is the workshop held and how do I get there?
It takes place in a studio in Sultanahmet with rooftop terrace access and panoramic İstanbul views. Transportation to and from the studio is not included, so you will need to arrange your own way there.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 3 days before the workshop. The session lasts about 2 hours.