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In Turkey, handicrafts have a rich history and are refined. Turkish handicrafts are beautiful, intricate, and functional, from carpets to jewelry. The country is known for its artisanal handicrafts, and you can find the best pieces by visiting there.
They are available anywhere in the country and can be a magnificent addition to your home or office. They look good, but they can remind you of the great days in Turkey. In addition to their aesthetic value, they are a must-have for anyone traveling to the country. In this article, we want to introduce you to the best Turkish handicrafts.
Turkish ceramics
Discover the beauty of Turkish ceramics by visiting Iznik, a small city on the shore of Lake Iznik. Vibrant colors and intricate designs characterize these ceramics. In the 14th century, Anatolian Iznik masters tried to imitate Chinese ceramics and created their styles.
By the 16th century, Turkish pottery was in full swing and Suleiman the Magnificent encouraged its creation. Some craftsmen combine floral, hyacinth, and abstract patterns.
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The most famous Turkish ceramic tile is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the most famous mosque in Istanbul. It contains more than 20,000 tiles and is the most densely tiled mosque globally. The Iznik potteries made tile floors and walls throughout the Ottoman period.
The patterns on these tiles are unique and influenced by nature’s beauty and use. They are traditionally based on birds, trees, and flowers. Some are more detailed than others and can be used for various purposes.
Turkish Earthenware
Turkish earthenware is one of the most sought-after types of pottery. In addition to being hand-painted, many pieces feature unique designs and patterns. Turkish earthenware is a popular choice for gift giving. The rich history and culture of the country make it a popular choice. The earliest pieces date back to 8000 BC.
The most known and distinctive pottery was made in Avanos. Its potters create everything from coffee pots and earthenware demijohns to water bottles and cheese plates. Its soil is red and iron-rich and turns into mud when the clay is pressed against a foot-operated wheel. The pottery is then fired to produce a beautiful, durable piece.
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Çini Tiles
The history of Turkish Chini tiles goes back as far as the tenth century CE. It was first used by the Seljuqs and later the Ottomans. Today, the art of cini making is still practiced by artisans in many parts of Turkey. The most famous place where you can see chini is in the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, which was built in the mid-fifteenth century.
It is a massive palatial complex containing hundreds of rooms and spaces and decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles. The mosaic tiles in the Imperial Council, which was constructed in 1529 during the reign of Suleyman I, have feature-rosette floral figures on white backgrounds.
They were created using the underglaze technique and pen craft. Because of their delicate nature, the ceramics were used for the walls of the Imperial Council. During the 2008 conservation/restoration, these beautiful mosaics were recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Coppersmithing Art
The west of Turkey has developed its traditional coppersmithing industry, while the southeast remains firmly in tune with international trends. Throughout the country, the art of Coppersmithing is unique in its versatility and beauty. The artisans of Gaziantep and Trabzon are skilled in doing colossal copper works.
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Their craft is known for creating ibriks, which are vessels for liquids. In addition to selling these beautiful items, Gaziantep is also a hotspot for artisanal trade. This traditional craft is unique in its history and heritage. You can see a live demonstration of Coppersmithing in the city of Gaziantep, which is home to one of the country’s largest copper mines.
Today, a small number of coppersmiths in Gaziantep have been active for generations. In the past, there were nearly 400 coppersmiths in Gaziantep. Now, there are only ten, and the craft has become popular with tourists from all over the world.
One of the best places to learn about this ancient craft is the Turkish Museum of Fine Arts in Ankara. You can view many works of art and purchase them. The museum features many ancient weapons, including swords, shields, and toys. These works are beautiful, functional, and often made of brass. You will find a wide selection at the museum, and each one is unique.
While coppersmiths may not make a lot of money, they still have a strong passion for the craft. Some have spent decades perfecting their craft, and they are trendy globally. You can even buy a sarcophagus made of copper. This is an excellent gift for the holidays. Moreover, it will make the perfect addition to any home.
The museum also has a large collection of Turkish folk art, including carpet weaving and Whirling Dervishes.
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Weaving Art In Turkey
The weaving art of Turkey has been practiced for centuries and represents an important part of the country’s cultural heritage. However, its usage in contemporary Turkish art is relatively recent. The most traditional Turkish rugs feature intricate geometric patterns, often in patterns of triangular or octagonal shapes. Their colors reflect the nomads’ experiences and local cultures.
While the nomad tradition inspires modern designs, traditional designs may vary a bit from nomad times. An excellent example of a modern Turk nomad rug is a prayer rug. This design has three distinct colors: blue and red and is often adorned with a central medallion.
Ebru Or Paper Marbling
Ebru is a traditional Turkish art form with a rich and fascinating history. It originated in central Asia, in what is now Uzbekistan, and traveled to China, Iran, and Anatolia, expanding to the region. It was discovered by European travelers to the Middle East, who brought it back to Europe and made it a popular craft.
It was first developed in the 17th century and was later popularized in other parts of the world. The Ebru method has a long history in Turkey. It is a unique method of water-marbled paper. A base liquid is mixed with bile, which is boiled to prevent spoilage. It acts as a solvent for the paint pigments and helps them adhere to the paper.
The resulting paper is an eye-catching, colorful creation that is beautiful and functional. The process is laborious and requires years of practice.
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Turkish Art Of Embroidery
Embroidery was the most common form of decoration during the Ottoman Empire. It continued to be practiced alongside machine embroidery into the early 20th century. Among other qualities, Ottoman embroidery is notable for its bold patterns, vivid colors, and strong technical skills.
The work is a reflection of history and is often colorful and ornamental. This art is also unique, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and history.
Embroidery in Turkey focuses on domestic textiles. From prayer rugs to shoes, embroidery can be found on everything from shawls and handkerchiefs to wedding dresses. The Turkish artists use bright, bold colors and sometimes contrasting colors to make the artifacts look more enchanting.
The most famous examples of this type of embroidery include Antep işi, which is an indigenous embroidery of the Gaziantep province.
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The Art of Tezhip
Tezhip teaching dates back to the Ottoman Empire’s palace in nakkashane. The Mevlevi Asitaneleri and Enderun schools were important in training artists. The art of Tezhip was traditionally created by a community of artists in the Topkapi palace between 1939 and 1958. The artists who learned here often became famous, although their later works lacked the subtlety and vibrancy of their earlier works.
During the Ottoman period, Tezhip was produced by a community. Today, Tezhip is made by one person in a large studio. The art requires meticulous paper preparation, crushing of gold, designing patterns, deciding colors, and finally execution.
A Tezhip artist must exemplify patience, generosity, purity, and delicateness. Moreover, a Tezhip master must be self-taught to pass on his knowledge and skill to his students.
The early examples of Tezhip are concentrated in Konya, the capital of medieval Anatolia. They reflect the rich culture of the Mevlevi people. In earlier models, geometric forms and patterns were dominant, and decoration was applied to the last pages, headings, and pages.
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Jewelry Production
Whether you are looking for a new gold pacifier or a diamond ring, Turkey has something for everyone. The Turkish jewelry industry has an incredibly high level of quality and is produced to international standards. With high quality and affordability, this is an excellent option for anyone on a budget.
The quality of Turkish jewelry is often equal to or better than other global brands, and it is often half the price of other brands.
The country’s jewelry industry is one of the oldest in the world, dating back more than a thousand years. Today, it continues to thrive as the jewelry industry encourages young designers to train and study traditional crafts. In this way, Turkish designers are developing their brands and franchises that will help them gain worldwide recognition.
Turkey’s jewelry industry exports to more than 130 countries, including the United States, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. And despite the challenging economic situation, Turkey is quickly gaining an international reputation. The country’s booming jewelry sector positively affects the global economy.
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Woodworking
The woodworking traditions of Turkey date back thousands of years. People were self-sufficient and produced all of their own furniture. Eventually, this shifted to industrial manufacturing, and the speed of traditional woodworking was accelerated due to technological advancement.
However, the economic benefits of commercialization did not grow as quickly. So, the artisan community of the Ottomans remained intact. By the mid-20th century, a more modern approach to producing wooden objects was developed.
The region has retained its rural vernacular architecture for over two centuries. Sadly, many of the traditional woodcrafts of the area are being lost. While craft skills are no longer passed on, the importance of the intangible heritage of woodworking cannot be underestimated.
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The region’s rural vernacular architecture has played an essential role in the area’s history. In this region, the woodworking tradition dates back to the Middle Ages.
And The Last Word
Many people in Turkey enjoy the unique and fine arts of the region. They have a deep passion for Popular Turkish handicrafts. These are popular and are promoted by the tourism department of Turkey. You can find examples of these items in shops and museums throughout the country. The fine arts of Turkey are among the most sought-after in the world.
Turkey handicrafts have a special place in the collective consciousness of the human race. Besides needlework and calligraphy, it also produces stunning porcelain creations. The mosaic lamps of Turkey were the inspiration for the famous Tiffany lamp. Other handmade crafts in Turkey include pottery and rugs. The arts and crafts in Turkey are alive and well, despite the technological advances in the world.
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