Turkish Ceramics: A Family Tradition
Central Anatolia has been the home of master ceramic production since ancient times
The Cappadocia region of Turkey is a hotbed of craftsmanship dating back thousands of years. It’s here that master potters design, create and mold ceramic plates, cups, bowls, vases and tiles using age-old methods. They have taught these skills and methods to their children for generations, using foot-driven potting wheels and traditional techniques to mold clay into earthenware vessels.
One of the most prolific areas of ceramic production in Cappadocia is the small village of Avanos, where distinctively painted pottery is formed from the red clay that master workers collect from the aptly named Red River. Ateliers, such as Galip Körϋkçϋ of Chez Galip, lead family-run traditional ceramic production companies in the cool basements and caves of Cappadocia, away from the harsh sunlight that fades the bright colors they use to paint their creations. For Galip, who was born and grew up in Avanos, being an artisan is more than a way to make a living—it is a way of life. His studio is in the sixth generation of family ownership. With his wife, Dutch artist Lilian Körϋkçϋ, and their three daughters, they create contemporary and traditionally designed ceramics in a headquarters cave carved out of the volcanic rocks for which the Cappadocia region is known. While there are other pottery studios in Avanos, Chez Galip is the most famous, both for its hand-formed and beautifully hand-painted pottery designs and Galip’s quirky hair museum, which contains thousands of snippets of women’s hair from around the globe and for which he earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. Galip’s studio is in the cavern, where visitors can see the artistic process and production by those who are trained in the Avanos method. Visitors also can shop in the Chez Galip showroom in the same location.
Turkish ceramics are traditionally elaborately decorated, and designs often are based on a particular region or historical period. Arabesque patterns, spirals, geometrics and florals are some of the prolific designs for which the country is known.
The Wren’s founder, Lori Bate, who traveled to Chez Galip to learn about Turkish ceramic design and production, says, “Cappadocia is the region of artisans, where you can see both historical production processes and designs for Turkish ceramics and rugs. In addition to the beauty of its landscape and fairy chimneys, Cappadocia is known for handmade products, which add character into a home while reflecting the talents of their makers. At The Wren, we hope to make the process even easier for our clients by bringing these Turkish treasures back to the U.S. so homeowners can incorporate them into their homes.”
Visitors to the region should participate in a workshop with hands-on pottery demonstrations and ride a gondola down the Red River, which is the source of the red clay for Avanos ceramicists. They also should visit the Guray Museum, which displays both modern and historic examples of Turkish pottery.