Ceramics are regarded as one of the earliest art of human history. Ancient Japanese, Chinese, Greek and Mesopotamian civilizations have remained countless ceramic potteries from thousands years ago. Among the oldest ceramic artifacts recorded by history were unearthed in Anatolia. The ceramic pottery found in Hacılar and Alacahöyük regarded to be among the oldest settlements of the human being are dated to circa 6,000 B.C. These works are the original and the first artistic works set forth by the history of humanity in the field of ceramics.

In addition to existing ceramics making knowledge in ceramics art in Anatolia, the societies in Central Asia, Transoxania and Persia have carried forward, developed and brought Chinese art into Anatolia from 7th till 11th centuries. Turkic originated Persianate dynasties, like Kara Khanids and Ghaznavids, were the societies who transformed Islamic culture into ceramic art.  The impact of Islam was entered into Anatolia with Seljuk Empire who are the first Turks settled there in the beginning of 11th century. First Seljuks and later Ottomans took the historical heritage of the Central Asian civilizations to new horizons. The rise in Ottomans both in culturally and economically through the establishment of the greatest empire of the time, attracted many European, Arab and Persian scholars and artisans. The cultural development since 13th century was the major reason of the development in Anatolian ceramics. The ceramic tiles in Yesil Mosque (Green Mosque) in Bursa and Tiled Kiosk in Istanbul are among the early examples of this exquisite art. Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul is the last magnificent example of the bright era of Ottoman ceramic art.

We are presenting you the perfect examples of Anatolian Ceramic arts from Kutahya, which lies in western Anatolia. Kutahya has always been an important city in Anatolia since the Phrygian kingdom in 12th century BC. It has been a part of Ottoman Empire since 15th century and since then it was famous for its kiln products.

At the peak time of Anatolian Ceramics during 16th and 17th century, Kutahya has been hindered by Iznik which was the main supplier for the tiles to Istanbul architects and the Sultan. As Iznik was located 200 km north of Kutahya, the artisans in Iznik was enjoying the advantage of being close to the capital Istanbul and the Palace, consecutively being the best and most popular among its contemporaries. As an example, the interior of the Blue mosque was decorated with more than 20,000 tiles from Iznik. Iznik was a center in the region for tile production; however Kutahya was a strong competitor especially in the production of ceramic production. Bowls, cases, plates which could be used in daily life have been the most popular products of this era. The most extensive collection of Anatolian ceramic pottery could be observed in Topkapi Palace Museum in Istanbul.

In the 18th century, Ottoman economy starting going through a dramatic regression while the Empire was losing important lands through never ending wars. Subsequently, the works in Iznik have perished due to dramatic decrease in the demand of construction sector. Whereas the artisans in Kutahya have survived the hard times as they were famous of their potteries that were attracting smaller scale customers. Despite the hard times in economy, artisan shops have survived in Kutahya and some still continue to operate.

The growth in the Turkish economy within the last 20-25 years resulted in a regain of respect for the ceramics art. As a result, ceramic industry has evolved into different business segments. Today Turkey serves as one of the largest global exporter in ceramic tiles and ceramic sanitary ware. Kutahya still serves as a never decaying, historical center for ceramic arts, nevertheless, ceramic art become popular in many regions in Turkey, making ceramic potteries as must-buy product during your visits in Turkey.

Sitki Olcar, a native of Kutahya, inspired by the soil of his homeland and become an innovative and passionate artist. His inimitable works brought him a global fame as a peerless pioneer in modern Anatolian ceramic art. He brings the traditional patterns and forms of Kutahya and Iznik ceramic art together with new dimensions and modern artistic vision.

The world wide known artist, whose exquisite art was exhibited in many New York, Amsterdam, London, Paris and many others, is famous for his unique drawing technique and his discovery of the use of extinct Iznik coral red color in his ceramics. He also owns a patented use of a particular tone of turquoise color. We are proud to present Sitki Olcar’s unique art work selection which includes the finest examples of his turquoise colors and modern decorative items decorated with traditional forms which represent historical facts.