Craft your own notebook – A hands-on journey into traditional bookbinding.

In collaboration with Yunus Emre Institute, step into the timeless art of bookbinding and create your very own handmade notebook. This immersive, face-to-face workshop blends practical skills with cultural discovery, offering a rare chance to experience the craft as it has been practiced for centuries.

Under the guidance of expert Ayşe Kaya, you will be introduced to the essential tools and materials of the trade, from textured traditional papers to fine threads. You’ll learn how to:
•    Prepare and fold the pages,
•    Stitch a strong and elegant spine,
•    Assemble and secure the cover,
•    Finish your notebook with a marbled paper design—a decorative art form deeply rooted in Ottoman heritage.

Alongside the hands-on process, you’ll also gain insight into the history of bookmaking and the symbolism behind its patterns and motifs. The session combines creativity with tradition, allowing you to appreciate how function and beauty meet in the art of binding. By the end of the workshop, you will leave not only with a unique notebook of your own creation but also with a deeper appreciation of traditional craftsmanship and the confidence to continue exploring book arts independently.