Traditional Turkish Hand Crafts has formed a rich mosaic by bringing together its genuine values with the cultural heritage of the different civilizations which were coming from the thousand years of history of the Anatolia. Traditional Turkish Hand Crafts can be listed as; carpet making, rug making, sumac, cloth waiving, writing, tile making, ceramic-pottery, handwork making, making embroidery, leather manufacturing, music instrument making, masonry, coppersmith, basket making, saddle making, mining, felt making, weaving, wood handicraft, cart making etc. The raw material of the weaving is provided from the wool, mohair, cotton, bristle and silk.
The Turkish ceramic tiles, also known as Iznik Tiles (right), is an unique product with a dazzling history of glory during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. In the XV. and XVII. centuries, the Ottoman Emperors built magnificent palaces and mosques, lovely fountains and beautiful public baths, estates, courtyards and covered their walls with beautiful hand-painted tiles. These famous tiles and other ceramic wares were designed and produced by the artisans of the little town called Iznik, one time the capital of the Ottoman Empire. The designs of these tiles were prepared by court artists, and nearly all of them were inspired by the flowers that were most in favor at the sultan’s palace; tulips, carnations, roses, lilacs and pomegrenate flowers in swirling patterns. The colors, however, belonged to the superior skills of the tile makers in Iznik who knew how to get the most from the natural pigments. Today’s tiles and ceramic wares are made in the same tradition and use the same lovely patterns and colors. Typical colors which are inspired from the semi-precious stones are cobalt blue, coral red, emerald green and turquoise. The ‘Tiles of Iznik’ collection brings this universal flower language in to the bathrooms, kitchens, patios and many other locations with wealth of design and color, a sense of infinity in the repetitive leaf patterns and lovely geometrical designs.
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The art of carpet making in Turkey is as old as the country itself, and genuine handmade carpets can be found for sale in almost every town and village. Visit even the most humble dwelling in Turkey, and you will find an enviable selection of hand made carpets in every room, often covering the whole floor, sometimes covering each other and even draped over the furniture. All traditional Turkish carpets in the Milas (above) region are made from locally produced materials using natural dyes. By far the largest choice available are made from wool, though in some areas, carpets made from silk and cotton predominate. Each region has its own unique design theme and it is often possible to identify the actual village of origin by each carpets distinctive colors and pattern.
The word kilim ( right) refers to a flatweave rug or a rug without a knotted pile. Flatweaving is found in some form in cultures all over the world. Although at times there is only a structural similarity in what is produced, the disciplines imposed by the materials and technique result in strikingly similar designs and compositions. Essentially nomadic in origin kilims were produced as a provision for the practicalities of everyday tribal life. Kilims served as rugs, tent bands, transport bags, food covers, eating cloths and prayer rugs. Most importantly the production of kilims was an integral part of a young woman’s dowry. Created with a sense of pride, duty and love, each article would contain symbols and motifs of family traditions and tribal or regional identity. Rated and judged on the quantitiy and quality of her dowry, she used tribal compositions and patterns that span generations. These were combined with personal inspiration to ensure work of the highest standards
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