Discover Turkey's Traditional Handicrafts
In Turkey, history and modern life are forever intertwined; from the pottery wheels of ancient Mesopotamia to the delicate, gold-accented manuscripts of the Ottoman Empire, handcrafted artistry has always been part of Turkey's culture.
Today, many of these age-old artisanal skills have been kept alive and passed down through generations. Whether you wander through a vibrant market, visit a workshop, or enjoy a museum, you will find a whole world full of traditional arts and crafts. Here is a look at some of the most interesting Turkish handicrafts:
Ceramics and Cini Tiles
Pottery and tile-making have shaped Turkey’s creative landscape for generations. These ceramics are as much a part of the country’s identity as its food and music. Among the most famous are the striking Iznik tiles, instantly recognised by their deep blues and intricate floral patterns.Â
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul alone showcases over 20,000 of these shimmering works of art. Another city known for its ceramic traditions is Kütahya, where locals continue to handcraft beautiful pieces using techniques passed down through the centuries.
Jewellery and Metalwork
Jewellery has always held a special significance in Turkish culture, reflecting a rich blend of influences from Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
Ancient techniques like savaklama (filigree work) and ajur kesme produced delicate, intricate designs that feel timeless. Today, many modern jewelers continue to honor these age-old methods while giving them a contemporary twist.
Woodwork and Carving
Woodcarving is another craft with deep roots in Turkey's Seljuk and Ottoman eras. Master artisans perfected kundekari, an ingenious technique where small wooden pieces are fitted together like a puzzle to form beautiful geometric patterns - once seen on the doors, pulpits, and ceilings of grand mosques.Â
You'll still find incredible examples of this craftsmanship in cities like Bursa and Konya, while today's skilled workers keep the tradition alive with handmade furniture, décor, and intricate ornaments.
Textiles: Weaving, Embroidery, and Lace
Turkey's textile heritage stretches back thousands of years. The country's rug weaving dates back as far as 9,000 years to the ancient settlement of Catalhoyuk. Turkish kilims (flat-woven rugs) and hand-knotted carpets are still treasured worldwide for their striking patterns and meticulous craftsmanship.Â
Embroidery, first introduced by nomadic tribes and later elevated in Ottoman palaces, adds beautiful detail to clothing and home linens.
Ebru (Paper Marbling)
Ebru is the art of marbling, by creating swirling patterns of coloured dye on water, then transferring the designs onto paper.Â
First developed in Ottoman times to decorate manuscripts and book covers, this interesting technique continues to captivate artists and craft lovers today, creating unique and unrepeatable creations.
Miniature Painting and Tezhip (Illumination)
The Ottomans turned miniature painting into a true art form, capturing grand battles, royal ceremonies, and epic tales in intricate, jewel-like images.
These paintings often appeared alongside tezhip, the decoration of texts with gold leaf and vivid pigments. Both art forms remain celebrated in Turkey today, with miniature painting earning a spot on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2020.
