Ceramic derived from the
Greek word Keramikos meaning clay. Clay
when mixed with water can be easily
transformed into the dough format , then
when it is cooked , gains a hard, strong
structure which does not change .
Ceramic is the general name for all kinds of raw
materials from clay which are
shaped and fired by molds or
lathes
The raw material of ceramic consisted by mixtures of metal oxides and non-metallics; main components are clay,
quartz and feldspar materials
Ceramic was discovered with hardening of the soil by fire . Transport
and storage needs of people had led them
to invent ceramic and since hundreds of years ceramics pots and pans made for daily needs and ceramic building bricks , tiles have been
used for the constructions
Cinicilik
(
cheeneedjheeleek)
Cinicilik is the name
given to ceramic decorative items and wall tiles shown in the traditional
motifs. Cinicilik is a traditional turkish ceramic art.
This traditional ceramic
art first seen and applied in 11th
century on plates , pots and in houses ,
mosques , continued improving and used in more places during ottoman empire
with figures reflecting the architecture and lifestyle of the ottomans.
Today cini items mostly produced
for the touristic aims . figures seen on
ceramics spotlessly drawn by expert artists.
Generally, tulips,
carnations, roses, daggers leaves, hyacinth, garnet, galleons, clouds, insects,
imaginary animal motifs, cypress trees, cintemani, chamomile, verbena, miniatur
human figures, estuary, lotus, rumi, spring branch, geometric shapes, fish scale, a
very original designs, such as the tree of life is drawn.
Usually dark (cobalt), and light blue, turquoise blue,
coral red, eggplant purple, green and different shades of green are used in the
Coloration.
Almost in all touristic places
souvenir shops located in city centres are selling the simple ceramic art items
however there are also producers available with more professional designs and
qualities. These kind of Ceramic producers usually visited by tourist groups
who are in a cultural tour.
Visits with groups can be
intriguing for your buying instincts and you can buy something which you really
do not want to buy .
If you are interested in
buying a handmade ceramic plate with wonderfull figures don`t forget the
bargaining rules.
I personally recommend you
to buy one of the cini ( special ceramic art) items to have a nice decoration and memory from Turkey in
your living room