Turkish artists unite miniature art and astrolabe to revive heritage
Bursa-based collaboration showcases hand-crafted 10th-century astronomical instrument adorned with traditional leather miniature
BURSA, Türkiye (MNTV) — Two artists in northwestern Türkiye have merged centuries-old scientific heritage with traditional visual storytelling by crafting a unique astrolabe decorated with miniature art, highlighting a novel approach to preserving cultural identity through artistic innovation.
Cebrail Çukurkaya, a Bursa-based artist specializing in historical instruments, recreated a Hucendi-style astrolabe from brass, based on a 10th-century design.
The piece was then intricately adorned with a leather miniature by artist Aylin Özkan, depicting celestial elements and historical astronomers in vivid detail.
The astrolabe, once regarded as the “computer of the Middle Ages,” was historically used to calculate time, determine calendar dates, and find directional bearings by observing star positions.
Çukurkaya described the project as a symbolic meeting point for diverse artistic disciplines.
“If each art form is like a star in the sky, then the astrolabe connects them,” he said in remarks to Anadolu Agency.
“We began with miniature art and aim to expand the project to include ceramics, tilework, illumination, and calligraphy. The goal is to unite the history of science with traditional Turkish arts.”
Özkan’s miniature features a horizon line dividing sky and earth. Above the line, stars and constellations are rendered; below, four historical figures are shown conducting astronomical observations with tools such as quadrants and angle measurers.
The artwork was first drafted in sketches before being painted on leather and affixed to the astrolabe.
“Miniature art tells a story — it documents,” Özkan said. “We thought long and hard about how to represent the astrolabe through art. This project was the result of that process.”
Both artists view the initiative as the first phase of a broader cultural endeavor. They hope to stage an exhibition showcasing astrolabes embellished with other traditional art forms in the future.
“Traditional arts are a profound way to carry our culture forward,” Özkan added. “This collaboration has opened new creative paths, and we’re excited to explore them together.”
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