Iznik tiles were once a dazzling source of pride, adorning iconic structures such as the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. This style of pottery reached its peak in the mid-16th century thanks to its quartz powder material, creating a perfectly bright white base for decoration, along with its distinctive and striking coral red hue. The decline of Iznik pottery began in the 17th century, due to the decline of the Ottoman Empire. With reduced royal patronage, the kilns gradually closed, leading to the loss of the production secrets.
It wasn't until the 20th century that efforts to revive the art of Iznik truly began to flourish. A major turning point came in 1993, when economics professor Isil Akbaygil founded the Iznik Foundation. With burning passion, the foundation's experts spent nearly two years experimenting, in collaboration with prestigious universities such as MIT and Princeton in the United States, to recreate the lost technique.
The secret lies not in the raw materials but in the mixing ratio, firing temperature, and technique used to create the rare red hue. Modern Iznik tiles continue to use up to 85% quartz, the highest level in the world , giving the product its characteristic brightness and depth. After being decorated with metal oxides, the tiles are coated with a special quartz base glaze, allowing modern Iznik tiles not only to recreate but also to honor historical beauty, ensuring the highest technical quality in the ceramics market.
Three decades after its "revival," Iznik has witnessed an admirable wave of revival. Ceramic artists like Adil Can Guven and Mehmet Gürsoy are recreating ancient motifs such as tulips, plants, and sailboats in a Turkish style, seamlessly blending classical and modern elements.
Through the artistry, emotion, and meticulous attention to detail of the craftsmen, each brick, porcelain plate, and ceramic vase becomes a true work of art. This revival has brought Iznik pottery back into contemporary life, proving that traditional art can be preserved and developed through a combination of cultural passion and modern science . The streets of Iznik vividly reflect this revival process. From family workshops and pottery stalls to modern houses and buildings decorated with elegant porcelain glaze.
One of the most significant and meaningful turning points in Iznik's transformation journey is its cross-continental collaboration with Jingdezhen, renowned as China's "porcelain capital." In 2021, the two cities signed a sister city agreement, opening the door to extensive cooperation, from exchanging fine art to expanding trade, forming a solid "porcelain industry alliance."
This cooperation agreement not only helps Iznik acquire and improve its ceramics craftsmanship but also opens up opportunities for deeper integration. In particular, the planned opening of Jingdezhen's second official flagship store in Turkey in 2025 is expected to serve as a bridge to spread the essence of Chinese ceramics, while also expanding Iznik's influence in the European and Middle Eastern markets.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/hoi-sinh-di-san-gom-su-iznik-post824955.html
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