Mavi Dukkan Parchment & Paper Art

04/09/2026

The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts is truly inspiring, with its exceptional collection and dedication to preserving our cultural heritage. ✨
It was also a pleasure to meet again with Zeynep Sürmeneli, a valued academic and conservator whose important work on parchment first brought our paths together, and to share a wonderful conversation about parchment.
As long as such precious works are in the hands of such dedicated people, I will always have hope for the future of our cultural heritage.💙🥰

03/09/2026

Years later, I found myself at Hagia Sophia once again but this time, following the details and seeing it through completely different eyes. It was wonderful to rediscover such a familiar place from a new perspective.
Hagia Sophia is truly a monument worthy of its World Heritage identity, and it deserves to be protected, preserved and cherished with the care that a shared heritage of humanity deserves.
And of course, I couldn’t leave without taking a photo with the famous Bergama Marble Jar a little piece of Bergama in the heart of Hagia Sophia. 🥰✨

25/08/2026

What an amazing month! ✨
I’ve learned so much during my stained glass work experience and had the chance to see this beautiful craft in the hands of true professionals.
A huge thank you to the Devlin & Plummer team for welcoming me so warmly and generously sharing your knowledge with me. I’m already looking forward to coming back from Turkey and continuing where we left off.🥰💙

16/08/2026

02/08/2026

Queen concert in my head. A completely different playlist on my little radio.😅

28/07/2026

I can’t be only one who sees something hidden in this old piece of glass!☺️💙

26/07/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to spend time in my own workshop.
A little stained glass, a little bookbinding… and now it’s time to return to where it all began.
Back where we left off.
The parchment frames are going up again, the tools are back in my hands, and the workshop is coming back to life.🌸🌿

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24/07/2026

I had an unforgettable experience at Derek Hunt’s stained glass painting workshop in the beautiful setting of Ely Cathedral. Working with Derek in such a magical place was a real privilege.
I first began this journey by watching his YouTube videos, so being able to learn from him in person, explore the techniques in greater depth, and finally meet him was incredibly inspiring.
And now, my Şahmaran is ready to take its place in my panel. 💙
A heartfelt thank you to Derek for sharing his knowledge and experience so generously, for his kindness, and for all the inspiration he gave us throughout the day.
Sometimes, sitting beside a master and learning directly from them brings months of watching videos and practising on your own into a whole new perspective. Today was exactly one of those days for me.💙🌸🌿

08/07/2026

Tevhid

This work is inspired by Tawhid, the oneness of God, which is the essence of Islam.
In the centre of the composition, the Kaaba represents unity and direction. Around it, the word “Allah” is repeated in Kufic calligraphy, showing all existence turning towards one truth.
The circular form reminds us of tawaf and the order of the universe. The repetition of one sacred name shows unity in many forms and brings the viewer back to the centre.
Earth colours and gold details show the connection between the material world and the divine. Tevhid is a silent call to the one centre where all directions meet.
This piece is part of the Portrait of Sacred Beauty exhibition at Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London, curated by Nagihan Seymour, celebrating the 1500th year since the birth of the Prophet Muhammad .
Deer-skin parchment, handmade carrot papyrus, watercolour and gold details.
Size: 47 x 37 cm

01/07/2026

My heart is full of happiness today.🥰🙏🏻
These precious books coming from Japan are not only books for me. They are very special works that witness our friendship.🥰
Once again I understand that even if parchment looks like the thing that connects us, there is something deeper than that: an invisible friendship bond, always felt despite the distance.💙

Thank you, dear Kenji, for always lighting my way.✨🙏🏻🌸🌿