As part of the Istinye University Faculty of Communication Skill Development Workshops, the Exlibris Workshops organized by Prof. Dr. Hasip Pektaş continue to bring art and creativity to participants.
Exlibris is an art form that identifies and honors the owner of a book. These are small graphic prints, often featuring the owner’s name and thematic illustrations, placed inside the front cover of books by book lovers. The term ex libris means “from the library of” or “belonging to the library of.” In essence, it is the book’s business card or certificate of ownership. It represents the owner, glorifies them, and reminds borrowers to return the book. Exlibris is, in this sense, a powerful means of communication.
“Exlibris brings art into our hands and into our books, allowing us to feel its enchanting warmth.”
Each exlibris is created upon request for an individual or an institution, reflecting their character and identity. From an artistic perspective, it employs all the possibilities of painting; from a functional perspective, it can be considered a product of graphic design.
The history of exlibris dates back to 1400 BC, and its use became widespread after the invention of the printing press. Over time, exlibris designs evolved beyond simple book labels to become collectible and exchangeable artworks—independent graphic creations in their own right.
Prof. Dr. Hasip Pektaş: Promoting the Art of Exlibris in Türkiye
Prof. Dr. Hasip Pektaş, a faculty member in the Department of Visual Communication Design, is also the President of the Istanbul Exlibris Association and Director of the Exlibris Museum. He has devoted his career to promoting and popularizing exlibris art in Türkiye.
He authored a book on exlibris in 1996, organized five International Exlibris Competitions, and hosted the FISAE International Exlibris Congress in 2010. This year, he organized the 6th International Exlibris Competition and the 2nd International Exlibris Congress at İstinye University, establishing the university as a new hub for exlibris art.
Those interested in seeing original exlibris works are welcome to visit the 6th International Exlibris Exhibition at Vadi H Campus, 6th Floor, Room 607 (Student Study Room).
The 6th and 7th Terms of the Exlibris Workshop Begin on October 23, 2025 (Thursday)
The workshop will take place at Vadi H Campus, Room V-310, in two sessions:
🕥 10:30–13:00 and 13:00–16:00, running for three weeks.
Having already hosted over 70 participants, the Exlibris Workshop is open to all members of the İstinye community who wish to experience this creative intersection of art and design. Participants receive a certificate of attendance and are invited on a guided visit to the Istanbul Exlibris Museum.
Join the Workshop!
If you’re curious about exlibris, want to create your own design using linoleum, and enjoy learning through art — this workshop is for you!
Open to all İstinye University students, academic, and administrative staff.
More about exlibris: https://ekslibris.istinye.edu.tr/en/ex-libris
