Turkish art of marbling opens to the world

The art of paper marbling has a special day of celebration all over the world thanks to artist Atilla Can, whose efforts led to marbling being added to the UNESCO listThe Turkish art of paper marbling, known as "ebru," was added to the United Nations' world cultural heritage list in 2014 as the first Turkish art recognized by UNESCO. 

The name behind this success is ebru artist Atilla Can, who is also known for his successful organization of "World Marbling Day," which has been celebrated in various Turkish towns for the last four years. 

Last year, the special day was celebrated in the northwestern province of Yalova and the "world's biggest Turkish flag made by ebru" entered the Guinness Book of Records thanks to Can.  

Speaking about his efforts to carry this art to the international field, Can said his works were in many collections in Turkey and around the world. 

"I always felt that the art of marbling is a universal one. Then I thought that this art was not very known in the world and something should be done to promote it," he said, adding, "Then the idea of the World Marbling Day came up. But it should have an official language and I sent a petition to the United Nations and UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. I asked the art of marbling to be celebrated on the second Saturday of September every year."

Can continued sending artwork-like petitions to the UNESCO until he was successful. "People thought it was a crazy project and did not believe it. I continued dreaming of the recognition of ebru by UNESCO. I sent some 15 petitions but it was like sending mail into the infinity."

Can said he finally initiated World Marbling Day in 2012, coming one step closer to his dreams.

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