Türkiye’s historic porcelain revives its ceramic history

(MENAFN) In the Turkish town of Iznik, once a thriving hub of blue-and-white porcelain production during the 15th to 17th centuries, the tradition of ceramics is undergoing a cultural and economic revival.

Ceramic artist Adil Can Guven, working in his studio, represents a new wave of artisans bringing renewed attention to Iznik’s storied past. Strolling through the city, visitors encounter ceramics everywhere—from intricately tiled murals on the central clock tower depicting sailing ships to elegantly designed house numbers on residential buildings. Local streets are lined with family-run porcelain shops and vibrant ceramic stands, showcasing Iznik’s deep-rooted artistic identity.

Although the city experienced a decline in ceramic production over the centuries, recent years have seen a focused effort to reestablish Iznik as Türkiye’s "porcelain capital." A major part of this renewal involves fostering international partnerships, particularly with Jingdezhen in China—widely regarded as China’s own center of porcelain craftsmanship.

The relationship between Iznik and Jingdezhen has grown steadily since 2021, when the two cities officially became sister cities. Since then, multiple cultural and professional exchanges have been organized, with delegations from Iznik visiting Jingdezhen to share knowledge and techniques.

In 2025, Jingdezhen launched its second official overseas flagship store in Türkiye, further solidifying this cross-cultural connection. Additionally, a formal cooperation agreement was signed to promote collaboration within the ceramic industry.

Through these international efforts, Iznik is not only reclaiming its historical status in ceramics but is also helping to write a new chapter in the evolving story of the Silk Road—one where art, tradition, and global partnerships come together.

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