Marbling Art with Mevlana's Inspiration

Fatma Betül Koyuncu, a marbling artist inspired by the teachings of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, has been creating marbling art for 20 years. She continues to breathe new life into her craft, guided by Mevlana's motto: "New things must be said."

Fatma Betül Koyuncu has created over 1,000 works in her marbling art, inspired by her childhood love for Mevlana. Having held 18 exhibitions both in Turkey and abroad, Koyuncu is now dedicated to instilling a passion for marbling in her students at the Destegül Fine Arts Center, where she first learned about the art 20 years ago. Living in Konya, she expressed her lifelong desire to engage in an artistic pursuit, though obstacles often delayed her dreams.

Koyuncu grew up next to the Mevlana Tomb, and her interest in art deepened when she saw the calligraphy and marbling works displayed inside. As a high school student, she shared her desire to explore calligraphy with her father but faced challenges that prevented her from pursuing it at the time. Despite these setbacks, she never lost sight of her aspirations.

Emphasizing Mevlana's influence on her life, Koyuncu remarked, "We used to live in one of the old houses in Konya. From our window, we could see the dome of the Mevlana Museum. As a child, I loved watching it. I was born and raised near the Mevlana Shrine. Every time we entered the shrine, the inscriptions on the walls and the passionate dervishes surrounding them deeply moved me."

Reflecting on the challenges of learning marbling art, Koyuncu stated, "The initial process of traditional arts is quite difficult, but no challenge ever made me step back; I found all of it beautiful."

Koyuncu highlighted the spiritual support she received from Mevlana in her journey into marbling, saying, "Perhaps my family's love for him or the stories shared by our elders about Mevlana made him significant to me. I grew up playing in his garden. On our way to school, the shrine was always in front of us. We never passed it without reciting a Fatiha, and we would pray at the tombs of Şems-i Tebrizi and Kadı İzzettin Efendi before class. We were influenced by these figures and their spirituality. Maybe that’s why my heart is drawn to these matters. I often say, 'The Pir has embraced and taken care of me.' Each city has its spirit; the most beautiful spirit of Konya is Hazrat Pir and those who cherish him. Our city and its people are wonderful. We must appreciate and understand their teachings without losing touch with our roots. Art is a continuation of their legacy. Mevlana says, 'Run, run, catch the water embroidery.' Water embroidery cannot be caught; it can only be achieved through marbling."

Koyuncu expressed her gratitude towards Mevlana through her art: "The works I saw in the Mevlana Shrine were breathtaking. What I experienced there settled deeply in my mind and soul. I try to thank Mevlana by sending Fatiha, visiting him, and expressing my gratitude through my art."

Recalling Mevlana's poem, "New Things Must Be Said," Koyuncu concluded, "Each day we wake up is a new opportunity, and we must hold onto our art to share fresh perspectives."