Markook

Markook is a traditional type of paper that originated in the Middle East, particularly in the region of present‑day Syria, Iraq, and Turkey. It is produced from the inner bark of the mulberry tree (Mulberry, Morus alba or M. nigra) which is harvested and processed over several months to create a strong, thin, and translucent material. The manufacturing process involves soaking the pith, washing it to remove impurities, boiling, and then pressing it into sheets. The sheets are stretched over a loom or framed and then dried in a controlled environment to give them their characteristic stretchiness and high tensile strength.

Because of its flexibility and durability, markook has been widely used for calligraphy, illuminated manuscripts, and as a writing surface for Arabic, Persian, and Ottoman scripts. The paper’s thinness and smoothness allow for the fine strokes of traditional ink pens, and its strong texture has made it a favored medium for manuscripts that needed to last centuries. Throughout the 16th to 19th centuries, markook played a significant role in the production of illustrated books such as Persian “Shahnameh” manuscripts, where it combined with gold leaf and intricate drawings. Even today, markook is still made by hand in some workshops, preserving the traditional technique for collectors, scholars, and artists who value the tactile qualities of hand‑crafted paper.