Islamic Geometry for Beginners: Eight-fold Mamluk pattern from Cairo

A practical
introduction to Islamic geometry - use a ruler, compass and watercolour to
Create a unique piece to take home.

Learn how to draw a historical pattern from Islamic traditions. This
3-hour workshop will teach you how to design, draw and colour an eight-fold
Mamluk pattern from Cairo.

During the session, tutor Safira will show you how to create a
Geometric pattern template and go through the process of how to transfer it to
Watercolour paper.

The session will include a chance to explore watercolour painting
Techniques so you can create your own painting.

About the tutor:

Tutor Safira Ali is a visual artist and calligrapher based in Leicestershire. Her work explores geometry, Islamic illumination, and modern and Arabic
calligraphy. Safira has studied Islamic geometry with the Prince’s School of
Traditional Arts, Art of Islamic Pattern and Traditional Arts with the VMCTA.
For the past four years she has been undertaking a traditional apprenticeship
programme to learn tezhip with an Islamic illumination master in Istanbul. To
learn more about Safira’s work, visit: www.safiraarts.com or find her on Instagram @safiraarts

Further information:

No prior experience is required, or if you do have some experience of
Islamic geometry, this is a great way to refresh your skills or find new
Inspiration!

All materials are provided.

This 3-hour workshop will start at 10am and end at 1pm on Wednesday 30
September 2026.

Suitable for
ages 14+. Under 18s must be accompanied by a paying adult at all times.

If the
Course/workshop you'd like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list
simply contact our box office team on / and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact
You if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if
You've made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms
& Conditions before booking as courses/workshops
Are non-refundable if cancelled within 21 days of the start date for any
Reason.

We aim to
make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome
just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you'd
Like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss
your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email
Arts-centre@le.Ac.UK, pop in or call, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts
Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for
Blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays
and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to
Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road.

The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us.