Hi all, I'm going on a RS Istanbul tour this summer and then joining up with friends and vacationing along the coast (Ephesus and Bodrum areas). However, I 'm really interested in the Iznik tiles that cover so many of the historic sites. Does anyone know of a place that is currently making the tiles that you can go and watch and possibly buy the tiles? Kind of like a factory tour? Or, a musuem that shows a display of the making of the tiles, the types of patterns and the meanings of each, etc.? I realize I will SEE lots of tiles, but I wanted to learn more about them.
Or, perhaps, this is mentioned during tours of the Harem in Topkapi or in the Blue Mosque? Anyone have any info? THANKS!
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2787 posts
I took the RS Turkey Tour 2 years ago. On that tour our group visited a really remarkable OLD church that was some distance from the main attractions. When we exited the church, we stopped by a small tile factory almost across the street from the church. Our guide, a Turk native, gave us a very interesting lecture on their tiles and we watched them being made. Several tour members purchased tiles. I wish I had done so. Not a very good answer to your question, but, perhaps someone else will recognize the particulars of my post that I have forgotten. I am sure you can find out that information if you search in the RS Istanbul Guide Book or check out the RS Turkey Tour daily itinerary elsewhere on this web site. We spent a total of 9 days in Istanbul and loved every minute of it and will return when time allows.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MA, USA
559 posts
Hi Charlie, Thanks for the info. so far. I'm wondering if you are talking about the Chora Church? I've seen reference to that. If so, I will definitely look around there after I leave. Anyone know what place Charlie is specifically referring to? :)
Thanks so far!
Posted by
Land of La
9301 posts
Chora Church definitely, one of my favorite stops on the RS tour. Truly a marvel. We did not see any tiles being made nearby. This interesting website: http://www.turkishceramics.com/ might have answers to some your questions. Don't worry about finding and buying tiles in Istanbul. They are plentiful. The ONLY concern is are they really from Turkey. Loads of Chinese made fakes are sadly appearing. Same with Italian leather purses. Sigh.
Posted by
OP
Andover, MA, USA
559 posts
Thanks for the link Claudia. I will definitely check it out. I wasn't really worried about finding the tiles for purchase, per say - I realize they'll be plentiful. I was more into learning about them - what the different patterns mean, etc. Has anyone else been to the place Charlie is thinking of (or another like it)? I'd love the name of a specific place to go, if you can remember it. :)
Posted by
Genesee, ID
1840 posts
Chora Church. Its too far away from the city center to walk to. You will need a taxi or take a bus if you can figure them out. If you are staying in a hotel someone there will be able to help you.