The art of Turkish tiles and ceramics can be traced back to the time of the Uighurs in the 8th and 9th centuries. The techniques were brought to Anatolia with the Seljuks and fostered by the rulers. As they traveled west, the techniques were adapted and perfected with the materials widely available. By the 13th century, mosques, tombs, palaces and theological schools were lavishly decorated with exquisite tiles.
The abundance of natural resources required for tile and ceramic production were readily available and ensured that the products were of the highest quality. From items for everyday use in the home to decorative pieces that graced mansions and palaces, functional as well as ornamental ceramics had an important role in society. Iznik (formerly Nicaea) and Kütahya, both in Western Turkey, have been famous for centuries for quality of the ceramics they produce.
Now a world leader in ceramic production, Turkish producers make use of the latest technology for modern productions. The new creations are not only beautiful and imaginative, but also functional. Modern designs as well as the more traditional motifs are widely popular and grace tables and art collections in Turkey and across the globe.
The abundance of natural resources required for tile and ceramic production were readily available and ensured that the products were of the highest quality. From items for everyday use in the home to decorative pieces that graced mansions and palaces, functional as well as ornamental ceramics had an important role in society. Iznik (formerly Nicaea) and Kütahya, both in Western Turkey, have been famous for centuries for quality of the ceramics they produce.
Now a world leader in ceramic production, Turkish producers make use of the latest technology for modern productions. The new creations are not only beautiful and imaginative, but also functional. Modern designs as well as the more traditional motifs are widely popular and grace tables and art collections in Turkey and across the globe.