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Rubab, robab or rabab is a lute-like musical instrument originating from central Afghanistan. The rubab is mainly used by Pashtun, Tajik, Turkish, Kashmiri, Baluch, Azerbaijani, and Iranian Kurdish classical musicians. Rubab is one of the national musical instruments of Afghanistan. It has proliferated throughout West, Central, South and Southeast Asia.

A Brief History of Rubab

The rubab is known as "the lion of instruments" and is one of the two national instruments of Afghanistan. Classical Afghan music often features this instrument as a key component. Elsewhere it is known as the Kabuli rebab. In appearance, the Kabuli rubab looks slightly different from the Indian rubab. It is the ancestor of the South Asian sarod, though — unlike the sarod — it is a fretted instrument.

How Does A Rubab Work?

Rubab is a string instrument with three main strings which are made of goat intestine or nylon. As shown in the video the body is made of a single piece of wood carved hollow to make the sound chamber which is covered with a membrane. It also has 13 metal strings which are rarely used in playing songs. These extra strings help in producing the unique sound of the three main strings.

CATF’s depiction of Rubab

CATF has managed to recreate the majestic aura of this historic musical instrument in its artworks. Visit our gallery on Pashtun/Afghan culture today and get acquainted with the remarkable rubab.

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What is Attan?
Attan is a form of dance that originated in Afghanistan. Attan began as a folk dance conducted by Pashtuns in times of war or during weddings or other celebrations (engagements, new year, and informal gatherings). It is now considered the national dance of Afghanistan.
Attan as part of the Pashtun Culture
The performance of Attan dance in the open air has long been customary in the Pashtun culture and is carried by all Pashtuns, of all ethnic groups.Attan is a special type of dance performed by a troupe of 50 to 100 dancers who wave red scarves in the air while musicians beat drums. This dance is common among the Pashtuns and is promoted as the national dance of Afghanistan.
What is the attire for Attan?
Performers often wear traditional regalia when participating in the lively dance. For men, the pakol (a thick wool hat) is usually worn, as well as a waskata (thick wool vest).Usually during the celebratory occasions, men can also be seen wearing suits and ties for a more formal look. The women can be found wearing bright, colorful dresses. These dresses can be accompanied with tiny mirrors on them which are said to symbolize light. The tiny mirrors add great detail and shine under the lights as the women move and dance.
What are the different types and styles of Attan?
The Attan is performed differently in many of the different Pashtun tribes. Some styles of Attan portray themes of war while others portray celebration, especially for events such as marriage, engagements, family gatherings and also as a prelude to the arrival of spring.
All different kinds of Attan are danced with the beats of the drums. However they all differ in style. The beater of the drum known as "Dum", who instantaneously change the rhythm, is circled by the performers.
CATF’s depiction of Attan
Visit our Pashtun gallery today and check out our ‘ Attan Artworks’ depicting the wholesome glory and vibrancy of this lively, traditional dance.

CATF is noted for its diverse range of art styles and techniques which it embodies in its rich and aesthetically diverse gamut of art. From expressionism to impressionism, our strokes appeal to the tastes of all art connoisseurs.

Many art lovers out there may be well acquainted with expressionism and impressionism, however post-impressionism is still a novelty for those newbies who have just stepped into the world of colors and hues. This article would be elaborating upon the movement of post-impressionism, its nuances and everything that it entails.

What Is Post- Impressionism?

Post-impressionism wasn’t a formal art style or a movement. Rather, the Post Impressionists were a few independent artists at the end of the 19th century who rebelled against the limitations of Impressionism. They developed a range of personal styles that focused on the emotional, structural, symbolic and spiritual elements that they felt were missing from Impressionism. Their combined contributions form the artistic roots of modern art for the next eighty years.

What is “Post” in Post- Impressionism?

Impressionism was the first movement in the canon of modern art. Like most revolutionary styles it was gradually absorbed into the mainstream and its limitations became frustrating to the succeeding generation. Artists such as Vincent Van Gogh, Paul Cézanne, Paul Gauguin and Georges Seurat, although steeped in the traditions of Impressionism, pushed the boundaries of the style in different creative directions and in doing so laid the foundations for the art of the 20th century. Their name was derived from the title of the exhibition 'Manet and the Post-Impressionists' which was organized in London by the English artist and critic Roger Fry in the winter of 1910-11. For historical convenience these artists have been labeled as Post Impressionists but, apart from their Impressionist influence, they don't have that much in common.

CATF and Post- Impressionism

CATF encompasses both impressionist and post-impressionist strokes in its artworks. Our post-impressionist artworks are a manifestation of the artists’ free and creative exploration of his/her mind. These artworks openly evoke emotions and their realistic bent is considerably limited.

Visit our gallery today to check out these multiple and varied post-impressionist symbolic motifs, unnatural colors and painterly brush strokes.

What is Contemporary Art?

Strictly speaking, the term "contemporary art" refers to art made and produced by artists living today. Today's artists work in and respond to a global environment that is culturally diverse, technologically advancing, and multifaceted.

What are the themes of contemporary art?

Working in a wide range of mediums, contemporary artists often reflect and comment on modern-day society. When engaging with contemporary art, viewers are challenged to set aside questions such as, "Is a work of art good?" or "Is the work aesthetically pleasing?" Instead, viewers consider whether art is "challenging" or "interesting." Contemporary artists may question traditional ideas of how art is defined, what constitutes art, and how art is made, while creating a dialogue with—and in some cases rejecting—the styles and movements that came before them.

Contemporary Art And Its Tendency For Abstraction

Since the early 20th century, some artists have turned away from realistic representation and the depiction of the human figure, and have moved increasingly towards abstraction. In New York City after World War II, the art world coined the term "abstract expressionism" to characterize an art movement that was neither completely abstract, nor expressionistic. Nevertheless, the movement challenged artists to place more emphasis on the process of making art rather than the final product. Artists like Jackson Pollock brought art-making to choreographic heights by dripping paint in grand yet spontaneous gestures. As one critic noted, the canvas was an arena in which to act—"what was going on in the canvas was not a picture but an event." This notion of art as an event emerged out of the movement called abstract expressionism, which greatly influenced the art movements that followed, and continues to inspire artists living today.

Contemporary Art and Artistic Minimalism

Contemporary artists working within the postmodern movement reject the concept of mainstream art and embrace the notion of "artistic pluralism," the acceptance of a variety of artistic intentions and styles. Whether influenced by or grounded in performance art, pop art, Minimalism, conceptual art, or video, contemporary artists pull from an infinite variety of materials, sources, and styles to create art.

CATF and Contemporary Art

CATF and its panel of incredibly talented artists work hard to bring forth the best of contemporary art in multiple mediums, styles, strokes and hues.
Visit our website today to check out our artworks.
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Dubai’s Tallest Skyline

All you have to do is approach Dubai from the desert and you’ll come across the mightily photogenic skyline of Dubai with its gleaming skyscrapers shimmering like a mirage. Dubai’s architectural achievements symbolize the emirate’s arrival as a great commercial center and a modern city.

Dubai now has the world’s tallest building (the Burj Khalifa at 828m); the tallest hotel (the JW Marriott Marquis at 355m) and the tallest residential building (the Princess Tower at 413m).

It also has the greatest number of buildings standing at over 300m—18 in all, with 10 in construction—and that makes its skyline taller than Manhattan’s or Hong Kong’s or Chicago’s.

The Aesthetic Appeal of Dubai’s Skyline

However, Dubai doesn’t merely stand tall in the height contest. The design and appearance of its skyline provide an aesthetic aura that conjures up something quite distinctive to Dubai and exciting about the Arabian Gulf.

Many of Dubai’s skyscrapers are adorned with variants of traditional Arabic design, such as the mashrabiya, a screen for shade and for privacy, while others have distinctive geometric properties.

CATF and Dubai Skyline

CATF has captured this distinctively aesthetic aura of Dubai’s skyline in its various artworks. Our artworks portray one of the world’s architectural wonders in all its majestic glory in a splurge of colors and strokes.

Visit our gallery today to check these out.

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What is a Zellige?

Zellige is mosaic tilework made from individually chiseled geometric tiles set into a plaster base. This form of Islamic art is one of the main characteristics of Moroccan architecture. It consists of geometrically patterned mosaics, used to ornament walls, ceilings, fountains, floors, pools and tables.

Where did Zellige originate from?

The Moorish art of zellige flourished during the Hispano-Moresque period of the Maghreb and the area known as Al-Andalus (modern day Spain) between 711-1492. The technique was highly developed during the Nasrid dynasty and Merinid dynasty who gave it more importance around the 14th century and introduced blue, green and yellow colours. Red was added in the 17th century. The old enamels with the natural colours were used until the beginning of the 20th century and the colours had probably not evolved much since the period of Merinids. The cities of Fes and Meknes in Morocco, remain the centers of this art.

Zellige and Islamic history

Patrons of the art used zellige historically to decorate their homes as a statement of luxury and the sophistication of the inhabitants. Zellige is typically a series of patterns utilizing colourful geometric patterns. This framework of expression arose from the need of Islamic artists to create spatial decorations that avoided depictions of living things, consistent with the teachings of Islamic law.

Evolution of Zellige

As the colour palette of the zellige tiles increased over the centuries, it became possible to multiply the compositions ad infinitum. The most current form of the zellige is a square. Other forms are possible: the octagon combined with a cabochon, a star, a cross, etc. It is then moulded with a thickness of approximately 2 centimetres. There are simple squares of 10 by 10 centimeters or with the corners cut to be combined with a coloured cabochon. To pave an area, bejmat, a paving stone of 15 by 5 centimetres approximately and 2 centimetres thick, can also be used.

Zellige and CATF

CATF has depicted this ancient and rich form of Islamic art in its deluxe paintings. Check out zellige in all its magnificence today at 1-catf.pixels.com

Many people have a love/hate relationship with the ever-bustling (Istiklal Street or Istiklal Avenue – İstiklal Caddesi in Turkish) that runs from Taksim Square nearly all the way to the landmark Galata Tower. Although it is the beating heart of the city, the three million people that pass it every day, can make it rather challenging to traverse. Yet it serves as a microcosm of Istanbul itself and although chains and fast food joints are starting to edge out the more old fashioned shops, there’s still traces of old Istanbul here.

Why is Istiklal Street So Popular?

Aside from the obvious Istiklal Street shopping opportunities, there are many other Istiklal Street attractions. For instance, its historic cinemas (like Atlas, Beyoglu), historical passages (like Hazzopulo, Suriye and Çiçek), churches (St Antoine, Santa Maria), consulate buildings, and innovative art galleries (SALT Beyoğlu, ARTER and the Mısır Apartments), as well as stunning examples of 19th century Neo Classical and Art Nouveau architecture to admire.

Istiklal Street- From the Caliphate to the Republic

Known as the Cadde-i Kebir (Grand Avenue) during the Ottoman period, when it attracted an intellectual crowd, it later became the place to stroll for the French Levantines, who knew it as the Grand Rue de Pera. It became İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) following the creation of the Republic of Turkey.

CATF and Istiklal Street

CATF has portrayed Istiklal Avenue in all its bustling glory in multiple artworks. These paintings depict the avenue’s historical significance as well as its contemporary vitality in a fresh concoction of colors and strokes.

Visit our gallery today to revivify your appetite for aestheticism with these astounding artworks.

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( Bibliographic Source: Peter Somer Travels)


From shadow puppetry to wandering minstrels, village dances to Ottoman military music, folk traditions pervade all areas and levels of Turkish life. Here’s a very brief introduction to a rich cultural legacy that stretches back hundreds of years.

Folk Dances

Each region in Turkey has its own special folk dances and costumes. Here are some of the most popular.
“Horon” – This Black Sea dance is performed by men only, dressed in black with silver trimmings. The dancers link arms and quiver to the vibrations of the “kemence” (a primitive kind of violin).

“Kasik Oyunu” – The Spoon Dance is performed from Konya to Silifke and consists of gaily dressed male and female dancers ‘clicking’ out the dance rhythm with a pair of wooden spoons in each hand.

‘’Kilic Kalkan” – The Sword and Shield Dance of Bursa represents the Ottoman conquest of the city. It is performed by men only, in Ottoman battle-dress, who dance to the sound of clashing swords and shields, without music.

“ Zeybek” – In this Aegean dance colourful male dancers, called “efe”, symbolize courage and heroism.

Folk Music

Lively Turkish folk music, which originated on the steppes of Central Asia, marks a complete contrast to the refined Turkish classical music of the Ottoman court. Until recently folk music was generally not written down, instead the traditions have been kept alive for generations by “asiklar” (troubadours and storyteller poets – in the same way that many ancient Greek myths survived until written up by Homer etc.)

Distinct from folk music is the old Ottoman military music, now performed by the “mehter takimi’’ (Janissary Band) in Istanbul, which beats out the rhythm of war, and is played with kettle drums, clarinets, cymbals, and bells. The mystical music of the Whirling Dervishes (“Mevleviler”) is dominated by the haunting reed pipe or “ney”, and can be heard in Konya during the Mevlana Festival in December.

CATF and Turkish Folk Culture

CATF has portrayed Turkey’s folk culture in all its vibrant colors in multiple artworks. These artworks stand out owing to their fresh assemblage of colors, strokes and hues conjugated with their traditional ambiance.

Visit our gallery today to check out Turkish Folk Culture as depicted in CATF’s paintings.

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Seen from a distance you might think that it’s just a tower, a little tower at that. Located 35 meters above sea level with its nine floors, the tower is 67 metres high. Built in 1348 It was destroyed, rebuilt, restored, decorated with a dome and here it stands a magnificent vantage point across the city and Bosphorus. There are thousands of stories about the tower. The legend goes that a man named Hezarfen Ahmed Çelebi built himself golden eagle wings and sprang from the tower, gliding all the way to Üsküdar on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. According to the legend his brother did the trip in reverse in a rocket filled with gunpowder. Eminent university researchers have tried to demonstrate the
impossibility of these flights but the legend lives on.


After the Republic, Galata Tower was restored and opened to the public in 1967. The tower houses a cafeteria on top, there was also a night club which is closed down after the last restoration in 2013. A couple of elevators will take you up but there are still three more floors to climb by stairs to get on the panoramic terrace which is 52 meters above the ground. A small souvenir shop is located inside the tower just across the ticket office at the entrance level.

CATF has revoked the majestic splendor of this tower in its paintings with incarnate the intricate history associated with the tower as well as its stately architecture.


Visit our gallery today to check out these paintings at
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As man-made monuments go, the Hagia Sophia is one of the world’s most distinguished. The imposing, 1,480-year-old building in the heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet district stood for almost 1,000 years as an ornate cathedral, a place where Byzantine emperors came to be crowned.
After Mehmed the Conqueror’s Muslim army breached the city walls in 1453, it was converted into an imperial mosque, and served as pride of place under Ottoman rule for almost five centuries thereafter.

The building was later secularized and opened as a museum on 1 February 1935. Famous in particular for its massive dome, it is considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture and is said to have "changed the history of architecture". It remained the world's largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years, until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520.


CATF has depicted the exterior of Hagia Sophia in all its glory in its artworks. The awestruck magnanimity of its architecture is portrayed in these paintings which give the onlooker a glimpse of its rich splendor.
Visit our gallery today at
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