Iznik cini
Although traditional Turkish ceramics are quite original, they were also influenced by various cultures. The biggest of these influences was undoubtedly from Chinese porcelains. This effect can be clearly observed especially in the early Turkish ceramics. Chinese porcelains were appreciated and very popular in the Islamic world as in the western world. Due to this demand, Turkish masters started to offer China inspired products. After the development of authenticity, the Turkish ceramics became unique, but their names remained the same, Turkish Cini.
The word “çini” or “cini” is somewhat synonymous with ceramic in modern Turkish, but it strictly means Iznik pottery in some contexts. However historically there was a difference in usage. While the Turks called the pottery used as household ware as “evani”, they named the Turkish tiles as “kaşi”. The word “cini” can be translated roughly as “something from/related to China” and has gained its meaning in a relatively late period.
The most brilliant period of Ottoman cini was in the 16th century. Due to the use of Iznik cini in architectural works constructed during this period, the demand for Iznik wares was high. Following the stagnation and decline of the Ottoman Empire, the city of Kutahya became new production center for the Turkish cini. However in the recent decades, Iznik cini saw a revival. Currently there is a great interest in the art of Iznik pottery or “çinicilik” from the people, academics and the government.
The word “çini” or “cini” is somewhat synonymous with ceramic in modern Turkish, but it strictly means Iznik pottery in some contexts. However historically there was a difference in usage. While the Turks called the pottery used as household ware as “evani”, they named the Turkish tiles as “kaşi”. The word “cini” can be translated roughly as “something from/related to China” and has gained its meaning in a relatively late period.
The most brilliant period of Ottoman cini was in the 16th century. Due to the use of Iznik cini in architectural works constructed during this period, the demand for Iznik wares was high. Following the stagnation and decline of the Ottoman Empire, the city of Kutahya became new production center for the Turkish cini. However in the recent decades, Iznik cini saw a revival. Currently there is a great interest in the art of Iznik pottery or “çinicilik” from the people, academics and the government.
