An Aesthetic Bridge from Tradition to the Future: Revival and Sustainability in the Art of Musical Instrument Decoration
Within the realm of traditional Turkish arts and crafts, the art of musical instrument decoration has played a critical role for centuries, not only in enhancing the visual aesthetics of instruments but also in adding material and spiritual value to them.
Among the primary reasons why Ottoman-era instruments such as the tanbur, kemençe, and ud—now housed in the world’s most prestigious museums and private collections—are preserved and highly sought after are the unique decorations crafted from precious woods, mother-of-pearl, camel bone, and ivory.
This rare art form, which is intertwined with disciplines such as lutherie, marquetry, miniature painting, illumination, and mother-of-pearl inlay, has unfortunately been on the verge of being forgotten in recent years; the number of practitioners has dwindled to fewer than the fingers on two hands.
At this special event, Art Researcher, Mother-of-Pearl Artist, and Luthier Mehdi HOŞ (Mahdi KHOSHROOY):
will discuss the historical depth and museum value of the art of musical instrument decoration,
the reasons why this art has fallen into obscurity,
and, drawing on the successful revival of forgotten arts such as Ebru, will share solutions and opportunities for the revitalization of this craft.
We invite all our esteemed faculty members and students to join us for this in-depth conversation aimed at carrying the voice of art from the past into the future.
📍 Location: YTÜ Faculty of Art and Design, Farabi Hall (B-2028)
🗓 Date: May 6, 2026 | Time: 9:30
a.m.