Iznik tiles
The tiles produced in Iznik from the middle of the 14th century to the end of the 17th century are called "Iznik tiles". In Iznik, where unique tiles have been produced since the 15th century, tile making experienced its golden period in the 16th and 17th centuries. Famous traveler Evliya Çelebi, who visited Iznik in the 17th century, mentions in his travel book that there are more than 300 tile kilns in the district. In Iznik tiles; While flower motifs such as tulips, hyacinths, pomegranates and carnations are frequently used, 18. The tile making, which disappeared since the 19th century, comes to life again as of the 1990s and production begins in the established kilns. Blue, turquoise, green and red are the most used colors in Iznik tiles. 15-17. Iznik tiles were used as an important decorative element in Ottoman architecture between the centuries, and showed a great improvement. Tile; It has found a wide area of use in various works such as mosques, masjids, madrasahs, soup kitchens, baths, palaces, pavilions, public fountains and libraries. Tile has a great place in Turkish architecture and decorative arts. Today, Iznik Education and Training Foundation was established in 1993 with the aim of transferring the existing knowledge with the Iznik tile art to future generations. The production of Iznik tiles, which is an art that has no written document about its formula and is passed on from father to son, preparation of the dough, cooking, paint technique, etc. The Foundation, which carries out joint studies with TÜBİTAK as well as with some universities on methods, has achieved the success of reproducing the 16th century Iznik tile art after years of research and thousands of experiments, with old quality, improved traditional methods, after 400 years. The foundation, which started production in 1994-95 as a result of the discovery of the formula, is the only technology used by the Foundation during the production of tiles today, electric furnaces. Uludag University Iznik Vocational School also provides vocational training in tile ovens.
