FORMATION

Turkey has a history of ceramic production reaching back thousands of years, from the primitive sculpture of prehistoric Anatolia to the ornaments and crockery of the Hitites and the ornate hand-painted tiles of Iznik. During the middle of the 20th Century, the era of mass-production began as Turkish ceramic producers built factories to manufacture ceramics on a large industrial scale. Since that time the quantity and quality of ceramics being produced in Turkey has continued to grow.

Turkishceramics was established in 1997 under the auspices of the Undersecretariat of the Ministry of Economy with the support of the Central Anatolian Exporters Union and the Turkish Ceramics Federation. The group’s main goal is to raise awareness of the quality of Turkish ceramics around the world.

The group undertakes many activities to communicate to a global audience, from participating in trade fairs to organising design competitions, hosting exhibitions and trade missions. These events and activities are regularly published in some of the world’s most prestigious design magazines and journals.

WHAT'S SPECIAL IN TURKISH CERAMICS

Due to its rich history of ceramic production, Turkey can be seen as the ‘land of ceramics’. These traditions have been coloured by the many different civilizations that have evolved in the Anatolian region. In addition to this cultural history, geography has played an important role. The abundance of natural resources in Anatolia ensures high quality ceramic products and these raw materials are also exported for ceramic production outside Turkey.

As well as being a world leader in ceramic production, Turkey has some of the most sophisticated technology and innovative products on the market. Turkish ceramic producers work closely with some of the world’s most talented designers in order to create exciting new products that are both beautiful and functional.

ROOTS IN HISTORY

The history of Anatolia can be seen as the history of ceramics. From the Hittites, Romans and Byzantines, to the Seljuqs and Ottomans, ceramics were a crucial aspect of everyday life. The versatility of ceramic as a material meant that techniques evolved and designs flourished to create pieces and products of functionality and ornamental beauty.

Since Turkish ceramic production was industrialised in the 1950s, the country has rapidly increased its share in the world ceramics market and is now a global competitor in the production of ceramic tiles and sanitary ware.