Copper Art
Copper was the first metal known to mankind, over 7000 years ago. This easily worked metal provided axes, hammers, weapons and cooking utensils. Copper has been found in prehistoric sites across Turkey such as Çayönü, Çatalhüyük and Suberde. In its natural state, copper would have been easy to spot in the streambeds in these areas. When exposed to oxygen, it turns purple-green. But, when rubbed by hand, it turns reddish. When heated then put into cool water, it becomes malleable.
During the Ottoman Empire, copper craftsmen perfected the molds, stakes, anvils and hammers that are still in use today. According to historic sources, all of the pots used for cooking at Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman sultans, were copper. These were often crafted in workshops near the palace, where the rough pieces were hammered, shaped and etched with decorations.
Today, top quality copper cooking utensils are still produced in Turkey. Craftsmen proudly pass down their knowledge of working with copper by hand, patiently hammering it to create new items. In addition to functional pieces for the kitchen, copper work has expanded to include artwork, jewelry and decorative pieces for the home.
Copper was the first metal known to mankind, over 7000 years ago. This easily worked metal provided axes, hammers, weapons and cooking utensils. Copper has been found in prehistoric sites across Turkey such as Çayönü, Çatalhüyük and Suberde. In its natural state, copper would have been easy to spot in the streambeds in these areas. When exposed to oxygen, it turns purple-green. But, when rubbed by hand, it turns reddish. When heated then put into cool water, it becomes malleable.
During the Ottoman Empire, copper craftsmen perfected the molds, stakes, anvils and hammers that are still in use today. According to historic sources, all of the pots used for cooking at Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman sultans, were copper. These were often crafted in workshops near the palace, where the rough pieces were hammered, shaped and etched with decorations.
Today, top quality copper cooking utensils are still produced in Turkey. Craftsmen proudly pass down their knowledge of working with copper by hand, patiently hammering it to create new items. In addition to functional pieces for the kitchen, copper work has expanded to include artwork, jewelry and decorative pieces for the home.