Turkey has inherited a vast 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 10 millennia 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 First Century B.C. The most wonderful examples of decorative art were produced during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. Turkish governmental bodies such as the Tourism and Culture Ministries, DOSIM which is sub-institution of the Culture Ministry and various similar associations have been trying to preserve and develop Turkish handicrafts.
At present, Turkish craftsmen have been encouraged by the above mentioned authorities to produce new examples 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. Iznik (earlier called Nicaea), Kutahya and Canakkale (Dardanel) were the three most important centers for tile and ceramics production.
Iznik developed into a prominent ceramics center during the 15th and 16th 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 of the Iznik style are world famous.
New ceramic styles emerged in Kutahya and Canakkale during the 15th and 17th centuries, respectively, and are known by the names of their region. With their distinctive styles, color 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 big companies are in the Kutahya and Istanbul regions.
In addition, there are also various small-scale firms and hundreds of small workshops in the industry, most of which were established in Kutahya.
Glassware: A very wide range of products from unique examples of historical value to functional and modern items
The Turkish art of glass making started in the Seljuk period and during the Ottoman Empire it developed rapidly. The center of glass production was Istanbul 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 "Cesm-i Bulbul" (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.
There is another very special kind of glass, called "Beykoz" which takes its name from the place and the workshop where it was originally produced at the end of the 18th century. Historically, the forms and decorations of Beykoz glassware were meticulously created and were the most outstanding glassware of their time. They were all decorated by using 24 carat gold on colorless or colored and opal glass.
There is another traditional glassware called a "blue eye bead," an authentic amulet consisting of blue, white and yellow, the eye against the evil eye. Its uniqueness among other blue beads of the world lies in its concentric color combination resembling an eye.
Currently, reproductions of unique examples from the historic art of Turkish glass making in addition to a very wide range of modern glass items are produced. "Turkiye Sise ve Cam Fab. A.S." is a group of companies in the sector, which ranks third in the world and second in Europe in the production of glass tableware and ornaments. There are also various small-scale firms and workshops in the sector.
Textile arts: Hand woven clothes and fabrics
Traditional Turkish textile based handicrafts were inspired by a rich source molded and shaped by numerous cultures succeeding each other for thousands of years. Anatolian carpets and rugs, with their colors, motifs, patterns and superior quality, have a universal reputation and are cherished for hundreds of years. Turkish carpet weaving with its well-known Turkish knot has been preserved with remarkable purity, faithfully keeping the original designs and color combinations of each region of production. Each production area gives its name to the carpet which it produces, which is usually associated with a particular design and color scheme. Among the best known production provinces are "Hereke," "Istanbul," "Kayseri," "Yahyali," "Karaman," "Sivas" and "Isparta."
Turkish rugs, generally use wool or silk as a material. Among various kinds of Turkish rugs, "Kilim," "Cicim," "Zili" and "Kolan" can be mentioned here.
Lace which is commonly used in many textile applications, especially in home textiles, is originally a Turkish handicraft. It is an embroidery art reaching back to the mid-1500s and crowned by the labor of Turkish women. It is an outstanding handicraft with its traditional taste and motifs in different colors and lines which are now reflected in modern home decoration.
Traditional fabrics used both in clothes and home textiles, especially those of Denizli and Kastamonu provinces like "Buldan fabric," "Selalmaz cemberi" and "Azdavay cemberi" have worldwide fame.
Metal work: Handicrafts of hand-beaten copper, brass, silver and bronze reflecting both the past and the present
During the Bronze Age, inhabitants of Anatolia managed to obtain bronze with tin and using this alloy produced receptacles and ornamental objects. They also produced copper, gold and silver objects for religious or daily purposes using the techniques of forging and casting.
All the civilizations which inhabited Anatolia added their styles and values in working metals which are still reflected in the articles of our day.
Copper plates, bowl and trays for famous Turkish food, coffee sets, kettles, buckets, narghiles (water pipes) which are water filtered tobacco smoking equipment are examples of hand-beaten copper articles. Animal figurines, coffee and spice mills, shoeshiners' boxes, mortars, etc. made of brass; small statuettes, figurines, letter openers, boxes, key rings, lighter cases, mirror frames, bowls and trays made of silver; bells, mortars, small statuettes, etc. are numerous examples of metal handicrafts.
Handicrafts of gemstones and minerals: Meerschaum, black amber and marble
Due to the variability and richness of its geological structure, working with gemstones has been carried out in Anatolia since prehistoric times.
The "Oltu stone" which is known as "Black amber" extracted from the district of Oltu in Erzurum is used in making rosaries, cigarette holders and jewellery in general combined with silver.
Oltu stone is only found in Turkey, in the above mentioned district.
Underground, it is soft in its fossil form. When it contacts air after it is extracted, it hardens. This stone discharges the static electricity in the human body and in that way it is somewhat of a remedy for stress. Oltu stone stays shiny as long as it is used and it does not react with human sweat and leaves no traces on the skin.
The finest quality of meerschaum reserves exist in Turkey. Meerschaum is not some sort of earth or mineral, but is composed of decaying molluscs, which are subject to chemical changes. Although meerschaum exists in various parts of Turkey, the best quality is excavated in Eskisehir. Various products, such as cigarette holders, pipes, ashtrays, candle holders, vases, boxes, lamp stands, necklaces, earrings and bracelets are made of meerschaum. Meerschaum cigarette holders and pipes have the property of absorbing nicotine in tobacco to some extent. Marble and especially onyx objects such as chests, boxes, fruit stands, bowls, ashtrays, vases and stationary items are produced widely since marble sources exist in ample amounts in Anatolia. The other current "Gemologic" products of Turkey are chalcedony found in the vicinity of Eskisehir, agate found in the vicinity of Ankara, chrysoprase of Balikesir, and the opals of Kutahya. Today, as a popular hobby item, gemstones have assumed decorative meanings beyond their use in jewellery.
Leather working: Still creating lovely examples of traditional Turkish handicrafts
Leather and leather working is a deep rooted branch of art in Turkey. Turks have used leather since early times and leather has played a prominent role in their clothing and daily life.
Leather handbags, purses, and belts, desk sets, boxes, rawhide shoes, chessboards, photo frames, address books, lighter cases, key rings, similar products and many more are widely produced in Turkey.
Leather and "Kilim," a sort of Turkish rug are often used together in making articles such as handbags, travel bags, purses, notebook cases, vests, etc. which are well-known samples of Turkish handicrafts.
Woodworking: Surviving down to our age from distant past
Wood carving has a profound place in Ottoman civil architecture, the best examples of which are found in the wooden mosques of that time. The central boss on ceilings, the paddleboxes of fireplaces, cupboard wings and doors found in houses are decorated with the finest, lace-like carvings.
The carved wood is enriched by mother of pearl, ivory, gold, silver, precious stones, bone and tortoise shell inlays in the early Ottoman art of wood carving.
The art of wood carving in Anatolia is greatly influenced by the arts applied on stone, leather, ceramics, embroidery and uses similar motifs. Small tables, tables, boxes, reading stools, wall shelves inlaid with mother of pearl, walking sticks, mirror frames, photo frames, jewellery boxes with gold gilt decoration, trousseau chests with metal ornamentation, backgammon sets, objects of carved wood, musical instruments like small violins, horns and lutes are numerous examples of wood articles currently made in Turkey.
Turkish silver jewellery: Reflecting a rich cultural heritage combined with modern innovative designs
Turkey has a great jewellery tradition. All of the civilizations which have inhabited Anatolia produced numerous objects both for religious and artistic purposes.
In Istanbul the jewellers' art gained importance with the growth and prosperity of the Ottoman Empire. During and after the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, Istanbul became one of the world's most prominent centers of jewellery. Historical sources state that jewellery fairs were held in Istanbul during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent. Turkish jewellery includes some techniques particular to Turkey such as filigree, niello and wickerwork.
Some 100 tons of silver is produced in Turkey each year as jewellery.
Turkish giftware sector
Besides traditional handicrafts, giftware items such as imitation jewellery, toys, artificial flowers, stationary materials, promotional gift articles, etc. are produced widely in Turkey.