Before I set foot in Istanbul, I'd always thought that tiles were always meant to be stepped on, on the floor! Well, okay..maybe some people would put some wall tiles on their bathroom or kitchen walls. So, when I first saw the beautiful blue tiles inside the Blue Mosque, I was really perplexed and mesmerized! Whoa..those are really beautiful tiles and they are on the walls, near the dome, cladding the column, framing the doors and windows and many many other unimaginable places....for a tile. Mind you...I was always taught to think out of the box! And the Byzantines and the Ottomans were way ahead of us, centuries ago. Gosh....I felt so small....knowing how advanced these ancient people were.
If you looked at the tiles on the walls of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and other great historical buildings, you'll notice that each tiles are assembled into big panels which will result in a 'picture' of its own. That mean, no two tiles are the same unless they were meant to be done in pairs. And during the Ottoman era, several motifs, designs and symbols were famous according to the history that was happening during that period. So, in a way, its a contemporary way of telling the world of her history as compared to the drawings and writings that we normally found in caves and other artifacts.
It must have taken them years to complete a masterpiece that remain so magnificent until today for all to see. I suppose during the absence of TV and other entertainment media, one need to be kept amused and occupied and they probably did the masterpieces at a rate of an inch a day!You don't think so? Okay..maybe a foot a day, more reasonable,yes?
Now, while we are familiar with the splendor of Chinese potteries, Turkish potteries have not been given the same limelight until recently. Frankly, before arriving here, me too have not heard of Turkish potteries or of its magnificence and significance. Yeah..we are all guilty of being ignorant...or was it naive? Why am I saying this? Because by now, I am "hooked" on Turkish tiles and potteries and everything in between. I guess you'll have to be here in order to appreciate and value them. It sort of grew on you. First, you'll see one piece. Then you'll think to yourself...arghh...what a loud color! Then you see another...and you'll think..hmm, not bad. And another...hmmm....that...I like. Before you knew it, you'll have dozens in your home, strategically placed on the sideboard, on the fireplace, on your centre table, in the display cabinet etc. etc. And you'll quietly stash your hubby's old cologne and lotions away so that you can put that cute porcelain-kitten on the dresser...viola!! And...you always have guests over for dinner to show off your beautiful white-blue-green potteries. Well....you know what they say...if you have it, .....!!
Inside the Baghdad Pavilion. |
Tiles lining the dome inside Baghdad Pavilion. |
Notice how important and significant the tiles are...they're everywhere. And look at the beautiful calligraphy on top of the window. |
Centuries old tiles adorning an 'ablution' fountain inside the Grand Bazaar. It is now used as a multi-purpose water feature for all to use. |
Enough of my rambling, now to a more serious note. Deep inside the Grand Bazaar, there is a shop that specialises in Iznik products. Iznik tiles and potteries are the Rolls-Royce of all Turkish potteries. It is sought after due to its quality and extinction. Extinction because Iznik (a place called Iznik) actually do not produce them anymore but for some handful Chini (masters) who still carried out the trade.
This little 'jewel' of a shop is called Iznik-Art and it occupies 2 shops facing each other deep in Grand Bazaar. I went there twice and I couldn't find my way there again. And the GPS won't work either. But you'll notice the shop when you see it 'cos it has this beautiful wall panels at the front of the shop. You'll also notice that the potteries in this shop are matte finish as compared to the normal 'glazed' finish. According to the owner, the products are glazed but the finish is matte using their special technique. Seems that only they know how to do this special technique.
The following photos were taken from Iznik-Art shops and I will let you feast your eyes on the exquisite pieces and tell me......if like me, you now are beginning to see the beauty of Turkish potteries. Enjoy !!!
The following photos were taken from Iznik-Art shops and I will let you feast your eyes on the exquisite pieces and tell me......if like me, you now are beginning to see the beauty of Turkish potteries. Enjoy !!!
It's also common to hang plates and bowls on the wall for all to see and appreciate it's beauty! |
Nice and unique Calligraphy.... |
Closed up of a bowl with tulips (lale) motif. I'd say tulips are the most famous motifs on the potteries. |
A panel of tiles being assembled. When this photo was taken, the panel was not yet completed. |
Ohhh....La La..... |
Yes....Martha Steward visited the shop when she visited Istanbul. |
Found your favorite pieces already ?? |
You don't need a lot....just one or two unique pieces that will surely be the centre of attraction and a conversation piece ! |
And ...I....love...this....!! |
Ahhh.....shopping IS tiring, isn't it? Goodnight readers....wherever you are.....
sweet dream of turkish tiles and potteries.....if you want, you can just board the next plane to Istanbul, you know???
zzzzz.........zzzzzz.....zzzzzzz
8 comments:
Just love the vases..... wouldn't mind having one large one at the corner of my room though would probably cost me a bomb or a little on my mantelpiece which is more affordable I hope.
Kak Shahid
YES..you definitely can afford them. there are vases, plates and many items to suit any budget. But of course, Iznik pieces are the best. but they made good investment as they are now rare and is a collector's item. Not to worry..you can start 'saving' now and go to Istanbul and get them when you're ready..he he.
I have been to Istanbul looooong time ago but I love the way u wrote about the city... vey nice writing style.... Plan to go there again. Do u give personalised tour guide to fellow Malaysian?? How can we be in touch other than through this blog?
Dear Anonymous,
I'm not qualified to give tour guide he he...but you can always get the guide when you're there, no problem. they're good and very professional. glad you like the Blog :-)
Dear A. Zuraini,
I am going to Istanbul this September and I am so keen to get one of those beautiful turkish tea sets. Could you be so kind to give some advice on where is the best place to get them? I would prefer to get a beautiful functional ones rather than the ones thats just for display though. Thank you so much for your help! :)
-Sarah-
Hi Sarah,
Im thrilled to hear that you'll be in Istanbul in Sept. Thats a good time as the Ramazan would have just finished. I guess the best place to buy the turkish or coffee set would be at the Culture shop in Eminonu as i mentioned in the Blog. Bit the design might be limited and i know that they have such sets as i saw them when i was there.
Perhaps the best thing to do is,check out the culture shop first to get an idea of how much its gonna cost you.then, if you found something of better design with reasonable price as compared to the culture shop, then at least you know you have a good bargain there.
There is also a good glassware shop called 'Pasabahce'who sells tea set with reasonable prices and of good design varieties. I bought a few myself from there :-) .good luck
Dear A. Zuraini.
Thank you so much the info! I will be in Istanbul for a conference and as this will be my first solo travel to a new place, I am really excited and a bit scared sometimes. I have been reading your posts to get travelling tips :)
I'm actually a Malaysian, currently studying in Tasmania, Australia. I'm really curious with the termn'Ramazan' though. Is it the Turkish word for Ramadhan? I do heard that in Turkey they dont use any arabic term including the azan is in Turkish. Is it true?
-Sarah-
Dear Sarah,
Yes, Ramazan is rgeir term for Ramadhan. And no, the azan is not in Turkish but Arabic and a very melodious one. They used to jave it in Turkish as Atatturk at that time wanted to make sure his people really understood and embrace the beautiful call for prayers. It was reverted back to Arabic during the time when Adnan Menderes was PM. I thix only the Qutbah is in Turkish as in manh other countries but everything else would be in Arabic.
If you are travelling alone, take safety as your 1st priority as the Turks r very charming esp. To ladies.99% of the time, their praises and charms are just on the surface. Never trust any strangers esp. Those who are nice to you. Look out for normal tourist trap and i'm sure you'llenjoy your stay in Istanbul :-) ....n have fun !
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