Battal Ebru 

Mustafa Duzgunman created this Battal Ebru, or Stone Marbling, using a traditional Turkish technique of floating pigments on water. It is important to understand this art form as a deeply social and cultural practice, not just a decorative craft. Emerging in the Ottoman Empire, Ebru was closely tied to Sufi traditions and the art of calligraphy. The process itself, requiring patience, skill, and a degree of improvisation, fostered a sense of community among practitioners. The unique, unpredictable patterns of Ebru became associated with concepts of transformation and the ephemeral nature of life, reflecting Sufi philosophies. Throughout the 20th century, artists like Duzgunman played a vital role in preserving and promoting Ebru as a distinct cultural heritage, resisting the pressures of modernization and globalization. Examining historical texts, workshop practices, and the social networks surrounding Ebru can provide invaluable insights into its cultural significance. Art, then, is inseparable from the context in which it is produced and received.