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This is conceived as a multifunctional space, located at the very end of the exhibition’s itinerary. It hosts: a space that serves as a PAINTING WORKSHOP FOR EBRU, where examples of this art will be exhibited and its technique will be explained with live shows; a TOURISM OFFICE, where visitors can learn about the most famous places in Turkey; and a SOUVENIR center, with items that visitors can take as souvenirs from the Pavilion either free or for a fee.
This will provide an excellent way to see visitors off after they watch artists perform lively Ebru (paper marbling) at various levels of their art, and after visitors travel along Turkish water scenes, along with a gift shop for memorable items.
In this location, we will place many screens which showcase the Ebru artist. Thus, many visitors will be able to watch the art of paper marbling at the workshop.
What is Ebru?
Ebru is the art of painting on water with concentrated powdered soil and dyes. It is one of our oldest decorative arts. “Ebru” is a reflection of the storms, joys and love inside ourselves. It is the water and the human himself... Every tear faithfully dropped or the smile or the teardrop…
The History of Ebru: In the etymological dictionary, the word “Ebru” comes from “ab-ru” which means the “water surface” in Çagatay (Chagatai) or “ebr” which means “cloudy” and “cloud” in Persian. It is believed that Ebru art emerged in Turkmenistan in the 9th century. However, it is not possible to document this information. It is said that the oldest Ebru dates back to 1447 and was found at the Topkapý Palace. However, since we haven’t found this aforementioned “Ebru”, we may describe the oldest Ebru as dating back to 1554. It was found at the Topkapý Palace.
During the Ottoman Empire, Ebru was made at the Imperial Academies (Enderun) within the structure of the Palace. In the course of time, this art began to be created all around Anatolia. It is done with completely natural materials. Brushes are made from rose branches and horse mane, a white glue is obtained from the buds of the astragalus plants to concentrate the water, and ox gall is used to keep the dye on the surface of the water. In addition, soil, pigment and oxides can be used as dyes. With clean soil that is free of rocks, everyone can prepare the dye that he/she will use. The white and off-white dyes are derived from the Göreme soil, while the dark brown is obtained from the Sivas soil and the red is from the Kütahya soil. Thus, it is possible to implement Ebru art by taking advantage of all the beauty of nature.
In order to prevent forgery in state documents and official correspondence during the Ottoman Empire, Ebru was used as the paper base, because every Ebru design is unique. After Ebru was discovered by European travelers, being used on the borders of manuscripts, on the inside covers of bound books, and as a calligraphic art background, it gained more significance.
The Europeans call Ebru “marble paper” due to its similarity to the grained and striated structure of marble. The Arabs prefer to call it “Varaku’l mucezza” which means “grained paper”.
Ebru is an art which gives tranquility to the spirit and teaches the person to be patient. It has a positive therapeutic effect on those who have psychosomatic diseases and children who are physically and mentally handicapped. With its relaxing effect, it helps balance the nervous system. Since children like playing with water, the dance of colors on the water will give them pleasure during the festivity. To make the painting of a flower, the children will have to coordinate their actions, which will help their development.
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