CRAFT DRAFT Live Workshops

In April 2026, we will explore and discuss the art of Moroccan geometry—at-Tasṭīr—with a focus on geometric patterns found in historical Moroccan manuscripts. The course will examine Msedes (6-fold), Lmtemen (8-fold), and Tnashri (12-fold) designs.

This Online course consists of three sessions designed for beginners, intermediate to advanced learners. It will highlight patterns from different historical periods, offering insight into both the cultural significance and technical construction of geometric designs in Moroccan hand-illuminated Qur’ans. The study will also follow the traditional Moroccan artisanal methods  of Rshim and Hasba , while tracing the patterns.

The course is intended for artists, designers, architects, and scholars of geometry seeking a rigorous, historically grounded approach to Islamic geometric pattern.

**Required Tools:**

- Professional Drawing Compass with a 0.5mm mechanical pencil

- Divider (essential for precision)

- 0.7mm Mechanical Pencil for line drawing

- Metal Rulers (30 cm & 50 cm)

- A3 Sheets of Drawing Paper

- Eraser

**About the Instructor:**

Hamza El Fasiki trained as an apprentice under his father since 2011 at the Dar-Attamania Studio in Fes, Morocco, where he earned an Ijazah in the art of at-Tastir and a guild-recognition in the crafts of metal engravings and leather bookbinding. He also holds an MA degree  in Moroccan Cultural Studies from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes, where his academic work centered on the cultural history of traditional Moroccan crafts. Hamza is an Andalusian oud musician and a published author.  His recent publication includes a book chapter titled "Sacred Space: Geometric Patterns in Moroccan Art," featured in the anthology *Perspective: Selected Essays on Space in Art and Design* (2023).

For the duration of 5 weeks, we will learn about the history and techniques of Islamic bookbinding through the case of the Moroccan style known as at-Tasfīr. In this 5-Week online course,  you’ll be guided step by step as you create your very own bound journal, complete with book-cloth, a flap and deckle-edged paper. By the end of the series, you’ll walk away with a beautiful handmade notebook — and quite possibly a brand-new hobby.

This course unfolds over 5 online progressive sessions, starting with a lecture exploring the cultural and technical history of Islamic bookbinding, with a particular focus on Morocco. It is followed by hands-on workshops covering  Moroccan bookbinding techniques, Islamic end-band sewing  and book-cloth cover design. Designed for beginners, the course is inspired by traditional bookbinding methods documented in manuscripts by Moroccan artisans dating back to the 7th century AH. 

Instruction by traditional Moroccan bookbinder and author Hamza El Fasiki integrates lecture, discussion, and live bookbinding instructions using traditional techniques combined with available modern tools and materials.

The course is intended for bibliophiles, bookworms, artists, designers, bookbinders, scholars of the art of the book and anyone seeking a rigorous, historically grounded approach to Islamic bookbinding.

**Required Tools:**

Each session includes a list of particular tools and materials. The complete list is provided below. Most of these items can be found at home or at a nearby stationary store. After registration, you'll receive recommended web links for specialized bookbinding tools and materials. Don't worry — there will be plenty of time to gather all the necessary supplies before the sessions begin.

**About the Instructor:**

Hamza El Fasiki trained as an apprentice under his father since 2011 at the Dar-Attamania Studio in Fes, Morocco, where he earned an Ijazah in the art of at-Tastir and a guild-recognition in the crafts of metal engravings and leather bookbinding. He also holds an MA degree  in Moroccan Cultural Studies from Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes, where his academic work centered on the cultural history of traditional Moroccan crafts. Hamza is an Andalusian oud musician and a published author.  His recent publication includes a book chapter titled "Sacred Space: Geometric Patterns in Moroccan Art," featured in the anthology *Perspective: Selected Essays on Space in Art and Design* (2023).