RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


Step aboard 'The Ottoman Express', an exciting journey through one of the most influential Muslim empires in history. In this five-week course, students will explore the remarkable contributions of the Ottoman Empire—an empire that fostered advancements in science, mathematics, literature, education, and the arts, while also shaping the intellectual and cultural life of the West through trade and knowledge exchange. Through interactive discussions, guided exploration of artwork and museum exhibits online, and fun activities, students will gain a deep appreciation for the enduring legacy of Ottoman civilization. 

Each week, students will engage with a different facet of Ottoman culture: from intricate styles of prayer rugs and calligraphy to the development of Islamic artwork, and the beautification of architecture, scrolls, and bookmaking. Through hands-on creative activities, students will reflect on the aesthetics and values of a civilization rooted in beauty, knowledge, and faith. Students will also discover how the Ottomans preserved and shared knowledge across continents, influencing both East and West in profound ways. 

This course will be interactive and require some light reading and research of an Ottoman artifact that students would like to present at the end of the course. Students are expected to participate in a variety of activities that emulate the Ottoman culture and traditions such as poetry, jewelry-making, Islamic artwork, and more. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  Introduction to the Ottoman Empire

Students will explore the vast history of the Ottoman Empire, which thrived for over 600 years and played a major role in shaping global Islamic history. They will learn about Ottoman trade routes and how Islamic culture influenced European art, particularly through the adoption of the Islamic prayer rug in Venetian iconography. To conclude, students will design their own prayer rug, inspired by historical patterns and symbolism. 


Week 2:  Ottoman Calligraphy 

This week, students will learn how the Ottoman Empire invested in projects that focused on the beautification of the holy Qur’an and handcrafted copies that would be shared worldwide.  


Week 3:  Ottoman Cuisine 

Students will delve into the rich culinary traditions of the Ottoman Empire that is preserved to this day, discovering the legacy of coffeehouses, Turkish delights, and flavorful food. As a hands-on activity, students will then replicate a recipe to prepare an Ottoman-style Lima Bean Salad. 


Week 4:  Ottoman Trade  
 
This week highlights the creativity and intellect of Ottoman artisans and scholars, emphasizing contributions to jewelry-making, poetry, soap-making, and trade documentation, through which students will also learn how Ottoman trade practices influenced global economic systems and cultural exchange. Students will then create their own jewelry piece in their own creative ways as an activity. 


Week 5:  Artifact Replications 

In the final week, students will present the Ottoman artifacts they researched, showcasing their knowledge and creativity. Each student will share the historical significance of their chosen item and explain how it connects to the broader message that Islamic history is truly global history. The class will celebrate the diversity and impact of the Ottoman legacy through these virtual student-led 'exhibitions'. 


Class Activity Materials

All materials are optional for the class. Alternative options can be substituted.


Calligraphy pencils and pens

 Sketchbook/Sketchpaper

Lima Bean Salad ingredients (find recipe HERE)

DIY jewelry-making kit or any colorful beads and threads

Required Book

None

Class Day & Time

Fridays 4:00 - 5:00 pm CST 

Session dates: July 4th - August 1st 

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

A certificate of participation will be given to students who complete the class.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

The Ottoman Express: Unraveling History through Art and Trade

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Heather Elsayed

Anse Heather Elsayed serves as the spiritual advisor for Believe It App, a Muslim faith-based goal setting app, and as an educator. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration Marketing and a minor in Women's Studies and a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies from Bayan Islamic Graduate School. She earned a certification in personal training with a certification in spiritual life coaching and has over 15 years of experience developing programs for the community that focus on wellness of the mind, body, and soul. Currently, she is pursuing her PhD. Anse Heather is also a published writer who focuses her content on the Muslim narrative in America, leads spaces dedicated to facilitating interfaith dialogue, and is committed to Islamic historical research. Anse Heather is a knowledge seeker and plans to be a lifelong student under the tutelage of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and the Anisaat of Ribaat for as long as Allah wills it to be possible. In her free time, Anse Heather enjoys baking and camping with her husband and children.