Turkish artist leads Islamic geometry workshop in Karachi | The Express Tribune

Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi has hosted a two-day workshop exploring the mathematical and artistic foundations of Islamic geometric design, bringing together students, artists and designers from across the city.

The workshop, titled “Multi-Level Geometric Patterns in Islamic Architecture,” was conducted by Turkish artist and academic Dr. Serep Ekizler Sönmez at Studio One. Participants included students from the Arts Council Art School and the North City School of Art, alongside professionals working in fine arts and design.

During the sessions, Dr. Sönmez delivered lectures on the mathematical structure, proportion and balance underlying Islamic geometric patterns, while also leading practical exercises to help participants construct complex designs using traditional methods.

She explained that geometry in Islamic art is rooted in order and precision, where even simple forms are based on complex principles. Demonstrating the use of a compass and angle division, she said a clear understanding of basic geometric rules is essential for accurately creating shapes and patterns.

The workshop focused on line patterns and fold-based designs, including four-fold, five-fold, six-fold and seven-fold structures. According to Dr. Sönmez, four-fold and six-fold patterns are comparatively easier to construct, while five-fold patterns present greater challenges due to their mathematical complexity. She shared simplified methods developed through years of practice to make pentagon-based designs more accessible.

Participants were also introduced to the relationship between geometric units and structural forms used in Islamic architecture, where patterns evolve through repetition, balance and refinement.