Source: http://www.igeme.gov.tr
Anatolian Handicrafts
Representing a Unique Cultural Heritage…
Turkey has inherited a rich culture from the past. The Central
Anatolian plateau is considered one of the cradles of civilization. Here the
Hattis, Hittites, Phrygians, Galatians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and
Ottomans established their rule. For ten millenia of history, the people of Anatolia have reflected these cultures in their art.
Decorative arts in the life of the
Turks date back to the 1st Century B.C., however the most wonderful
examples of decorative art were produced during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods.
Turkish governmental bodies such as, The Ministries of Tourism and Culture,
DOSIM which is a sub institution of the Ministry of Culture, GESAV (Traditional
Turkish Handicrafts Foundation), a nongovernmental organisation and some other
institutions have been trying to preserve and develop Turkish handicrafts. At present, Turkish craftsmen have been encouraged by the above mentioned authorities to produce the new types having traditional characteristics. Meanwhile, more and more pieces of
modern style also have been designed and produced to fit the requirements of contemporary
life styles.
Ceramics
From World- Famous Iznik Tiles to Contemporary
Designs…
Tile making was the most distinctive
element of the Seljuk and Ottoman arts used in interior and exterior
architecture. İznik ( earlier called Nicaea), Ktahya and anakkale (Dardanel)
were the three most important centers for tile and ceramics production.
Iznik developed into a prominent ceramics center during the 15 th and 16 th centuries. Ceramics made of white paste and
decorated with blue patterns on white surfaces with floral and leaf patterns,
especially tulips were the preferred tile motifs. Even today, Turkish ceramics
in İznik style are world famous.
New ceramic styles emerged in
Ktahya and anakkale during the 15th and 17th centuries,
respectively, and are known by the names of their region. With their
distinctive styles, colour characteristics, patterns and forms, they provide fine examples of the arts of ceramic-ware and tiles during the Ottoman period.
At present, both the traditional
types of ceramics and modern pieces are produced in Turkey. Almost all of the
large companies are in the Ktahya and İstanbul regions. In addition,
there are also various small-scale firms and hundreds of small workshops in the
industry, most of which were established in Ktahya.
Glassware
A Wide Range of Products From Unique Examples of
Historical Value to Functional, Modern Items…
The Turkish art of glass making
began in the Seljuk period and developed rapidly during the Ottoman Empire. The
center of glass production was İstanbul at that time.
Turkish handmade glassware has a
good reputation abroad and best reflects Turkish art. Today, the number of
glass products reaches thousands of items including handmade and machine-made products.
There is a special kind of glass,
called "esmi Blbl" (the eye of the nightingale) which is an
entirely Turkish art. This famous design, distinguished by swirls of blue and
white lines in clear glass, is mostly used on decanters, vases, flasks and
candy boxes.
