Uzbekistan Tour

Experience the wonders of Uzbekistan, a gem of Central Asia glistening with the hues of turquoise. Immerse yourself in its rich history on a unique tour with exceptional scholars and guides.

We are traveling to Transoxiana, a cradle of civilizations throughout history and a noteworthy intersection of science and art in the 15th century. Together, we will enter the monumental gates of remarkable cities.

Become entranced by the mesmerizing art, a delight for the eyes and imagination. Walk the silk roads of Samarkand surrounded by the scent of spices, and cultivate the Islamic heritage of Bukhara. Enter the doorway of Khiva, a city that preserves its traditions meticulously.

Witness these early cities of Islam in Central Asia and the paths of sapient figures. We'll reflect on their quest to build civilizations, strive to understand their perceptions of the world and learn about their conceptions of the universe. Together we'll endeavor to interpret significant representations of the relationship between points, cosmos, and geometric patterns.

Use these inspirations to build a portfolio of wonderful geometric patterns under the tutelage of a master.

Enjoy these moments with companions and capture precious memories for a lifetime.

ABOUT THE TOUR

The cities of Samarkand and Bukhara are significant centers of culture in Transoxania, one of the regions where the Islamic civilization flourished in the middle ages. On this tour, Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez, a cultural historian, will talk about the histories of these cities, the architectural elements, including structures, systems, and building materials, alongside the region’s identity and decorative features that distinguish them from other cities in the Muslim world. In addition, we will specifically discuss fifteenth-century placement in the history of science to understand the mathematical perspective and its relation to the universe's conception in Islamic thought.

Geometric patterns and their artistic manifestation to read the universe in a mathematical language will be highlighted. Master Sönmez will tackle constructing geometric patterns facilitated by a compass and a ruler and supervise the students in drawings and other applications based on her analyses.

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OUR INSTRUCTORS:

Islamic Geometric Patterns Program Director at Deen Arts Foundation - Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez

Dr. Serap Ekizler Sönmez is a historian and specialist in Islamic geometric patterns. Dr. Sonmez's breadth of knowledge stems from her extensive travels to notable Islamic heritage architectural sites with exemplary geometric patterns. Her exposure derives from visits to Iran, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Morocco, and India, notwithstanding her immersion and first-hand experience in her native country, Türkiye. In addition, Dr. Sönmez's expertise in the theological and historical analysis of geometric patterns extends to considerable academic research.

Dr. Sönmez completed her Ph.D. in the spring of 2022, addressing the histories of science, Islamic art, architecture, and geometric patterns. Sönmez's dissertation, “The History of Geometric Patterns in Turkish and Islamic Art: Methodology, Applications, and Analysis in the Context of the Topkapi Scroll,” is a monumental work that pioneers a complete understanding of the subject matter. She taught courses for the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts (London) and other significant foundations. Dr. Sönmez is the IGP Program Director for Deen Arts Foundation. She has written valuable academic papers and distinguished books. Sönmez also works at FSM University- KURAM (Foundation Cultural Heritage Conservation Application and Research Center).

Honorable Guest - Rajen Astho

Rajen Astho completed his MA in music composition in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 2010. Concurrently, he discovered his passion for the art of Islamic geometric patterns, which blossomed from an occasional curiosity to systematic research over the coming years. Astho now shares his passion through his artworks, research, and teaching.

He delivered courses for the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts, London (2021, 2022) and the Alqueria de Rosales Summer School in Islamic Geometric Patterns, Spain (2019, 2022).

Rajen worked on credible studies about the Timurid style geometric patterns for many years.

WHAT IS INCLUDED:

- All transportation and transfers specified in the program by air-conditioned private vehicles 

- Urgench – Tashkent domestic flight ticket 

- Accommodation and breakfast in double rooms***

- Bukhara - Khiva train ticket 

- Tashkent – Samarkand economy class "AFROSIYOB" high-speed train ticket 

- English-speaking local guide service throughout the tour program 

- All dinners 

- City tours specified in the program, including all entrance fees 

- 1 liter of water per day  

*** $100 will be added for Single Room

*** Younger visitors' (traveling with parents) hotel charges will be; 

- FREE of charge under age 5 

- %50 discount for ages 5-10 

- There must be an accompanying adult for childcare when the classes occur. 

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: 

 - International flight ticket **

- Personal expenses 

- Meals out of the program are not included in the tour price 

- All lunches 

- Photo and video shooting fees   

**29th April Saturday TK370 - 18:45 flight to Tashkent from Istanbul.

06th May Saturday TK371 - 02:35 (after midnight flight) to Istanbul back from Tashkent.

MATERIAL LIST: 

The following materials are required for the Geometric Pattern Analysis studies in Uzbekistan Architecture;

**PARTICIPANTS MAY WISH TO PURCHASE MATERIALS FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST AT CHECKOUT ($30)

 - Compasses 

- Ruler (30cm) 

- Pen (0.3 mm and/or 0.5 mm) 

- Pencil (H and 4B) 

- Masking tape

 - Soft eraser 

- Dry crayons and/or felt-tip pens 

Course documents, A3 watercolor papers, and tracing papers are supplied by Deen Arts Foundation and will be given to all participants in Uzbekistan.

REFUNDS:

• 75%, if canceled by March 18, 2023 
• 50%, if canceled by April 1, 2023 
• 25%, if canceled by April 18, 2023 

For information and reservations, please get in touch with esra.aslan@deenartsfoundation.org