The cultural and political interpretation of Turkish marbling art – EBRU

Abstract

The article discusses the popularization and politicization of the Turkish marbling
art ebru from cultural anthropological perspectives. Ebru is the art of creating colorful patterns
by sprinkling ink colors on a deep tray with gummy water and then transferring them onto the
article. Such papers historically were used by Seljuk and Ottoman calligraphers as background
papers to write imperial decrees and documents. Since those times this form of art has experienced
radical changes. From being a mere craft of bookbinding, today it has transformed into a national
symbol. Practicing this form of art helps to promote the ethnic, religious, and political ideas and
values of the Turkish state. The article’s findings are based on participant observation of ebru
classes and interviews with ebru trainees conducted in BELMEK - Metropolitan Municipality
Vocational Courses in Ankara. The article found out that ebru can function as a symbol of
Turkishness. The characteristics ofebru such asits long history and its flexibility make it a suitable
tool for promoting the will and vision of the current ruling party in Turkey which has already
strengthened the Sunni Muslim component of Turkish identity and aspires to return to the glory
of the Ottoman Empire. The example of ebru demonstrates how some traditional art forms can be
transformed into bigger cultural projects that are used to communicate specific political messages.