Centuries of fire: glazed earthenware

According to some researchers, the art of Anatolian ceramics began in 1071, the date the Turks began to move into Anatolia. The developmental period of ceramics in Anatolia dates from the Seljuk Empire. Yet, ceramics cannot be considered as an art form on its own; nor can it be attributed to a single civilization. The history of ceramics stretches back to the earliest civilizations; the oldest pieces of pottery in history, dating to nearly 9000 years back, were found at Çatalhöyük in Central Anatolia.

Anatolian ceramics are generally divided into three phrases: Central Asia, the Seljuk and Beylik era and the Ottoman period. Central Asian ceramics display motifs based on eagle claws, swan crests, bird beaks and animal ears. During the Seljuk and Beylik period, blue-white and turquoise-blue motifs were used in geometric designs. The best examples of Seljuk mosaic tiles can be seen in Konya in the Alaaddin Mosque, Sırcalı Medrese and Karatay Medrese.

Iznik: The best examples of Ottoman ceramics

The origin of İznik ceramics coincides with the end of Byzantium and the early days of the Ottoman Empire. The art of İznik ceramics reached an apogee in the middle of the 16th century . Today, İznik ceramic pieces are highly sought after by collectors and command high prices at international art auctions.The most splendid and original examples of İznik ceramics are to be found in Istanbul in Süleymaniye Mosque, the mausoleums of Süleyman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan and the various sections of Topkapı Palace; in Bursa in the Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum and Muradiye Mosque; and in Edirne in the Muradiye Mosque.

Kutahya ceramics

A decorative style that repeats abstract motifs inspired by traditional textiles is characteristic of Kütahya ceramics. The best examples of 18th century Kutahya ceramics can be seen in the Hisarbey Mosque in Kutahya. Kutahya panels were also used in Ulucami in Bursa, Beylerbeyi Mosque in Istanbul and Cinili Mosque in Uskudar. The famed Blue Mosque displays both İznik and Kutahya tiles.Today, ceramic production continues in both İznik and Kütahya, mainly in small ateliers using modern equipment. But there are still a few workshops that make ceramics using traditional methods.