Ottoman Turkish Tiles
The use of glazed ceramics in traditional Turkish architecture is a quite old practice. In fact, the use of glazed ceramics in architecture is not unique to the Turkish architecture, it is a common practice in traditional Islamic architecture. Indeed, architectural works decorated with glazed bricks and tiles are commonplace sights in the vast and diverse Islamic geography. The Turks improved this practice thanks to innovative Iznik ceramics. While glazed bricks were commonly used in Central Asian and Seljuk architecture, mostly Iznik tiles were preferred in the classical Ottoman architecture.
Ottoman architecture and Iznik pottery were two arts that nourished each other. Enormous amounts of Turkish tiles were needed for the chief architect Sinan’s works, which was built in the 16th century when the Ottomans were at top of every field. The Ottoman Palace also provided artistic support for Iznik tiles, the patterns on Iznik ceramics are the designs of Palace artists. In return, Iznik masters produced the Iznik tiles of magnificent beauty and contributed greatly to the decoration of architectural works. The decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Iznik pottery in time did not end the use of Ottoman tiles in architecture. This practice continued until the twentieth century and Kutahya ceramics were used instead of Iznik.
Today, Ottoman tiles have gained importance again. The Ottoman style Turkish tiles, which especially preferred for bathroom and kitchen decoration, add an original atmosphere to the spaces. The two most important characteristics of the Ottoman Turkish tiles are that they are still produced with traditional methods by hand and their centuries old beautiful patterns. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman art, Turkish tiles still amaze people with their wonderful appearence.
Ottoman architecture and Iznik pottery were two arts that nourished each other. Enormous amounts of Turkish tiles were needed for the chief architect Sinan’s works, which was built in the 16th century when the Ottomans were at top of every field. The Ottoman Palace also provided artistic support for Iznik tiles, the patterns on Iznik ceramics are the designs of Palace artists. In return, Iznik masters produced the Iznik tiles of magnificent beauty and contributed greatly to the decoration of architectural works. The decline of the Ottoman Empire and the Iznik pottery in time did not end the use of Ottoman tiles in architecture. This practice continued until the twentieth century and Kutahya ceramics were used instead of Iznik.
Today, Ottoman tiles have gained importance again. The Ottoman style Turkish tiles, which especially preferred for bathroom and kitchen decoration, add an original atmosphere to the spaces. The two most important characteristics of the Ottoman Turkish tiles are that they are still produced with traditional methods by hand and their centuries old beautiful patterns. One of the most beautiful examples of Ottoman art, Turkish tiles still amaze people with their wonderful appearence.
