CERAMIC TOUR IN
TURKEY
Red Clay – White Clay – Tiles – Quartz & more

The art of Turkish tiles and ceramics occupy a place of prominence in the history of Islamic art. Its roots can be traced at least as far back to the Uighurs of the 8th and 9th centuries. Its subsequent development was influenced by Karakhanid, Ghaznavid, and (especially) Iranian Seljuk art. With the Seljuks' victory over the Byzantines at Malazgirt in 1071, the art followed them into Anatolia and embarked upon a new period of strong development fostered by the Anatolian Seljuk sultanate. The Anatolian Seljuks were influenced by the cultural heritage they encountered in their new homeland, adapting them to the techniques that they had brought with them from the Iranian plateau. This resulted in a distinctively Anatolian style of Seljuk architecture that was in full bloom by the 13th century.
Seljuk mosques, medreses (theological academies), tombs, and palaces were lavishly decorated with exquisite tiles.

Iznik (ancient Nicea)
Archaeological excavations in and around Iznik were very important parts of its prehistoric cultural history. Today, Iznik Museum contains examples of Ilıpınar Tumulus and Hacılar Hills ceramics. (7.300 BC.) During the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, Iznik continued to be an important center for ceramic art production.
Today, Iznik tiles are admired worldwide for the following reasons:
   - They are made on very clean white base clay with glazed
      decorations in a unique process.
   - Seventy to Eighty percent of Iznik tile is composed of quartz. It is
     the beauty in the harmonious composition of three successive
     quartz layers.

TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 01: Departure from USA or Canada.

Day 02: Arrive to ISTANBUL
Welcome to the city of seven hills, the capital of two big empires.
Istanbul is a city that has wonderful art from both Christian and Islamic cultures, a city of poetry and love, a city that has been fought for, throughout history. Your tour guide will meet you after the customs and baggage claim. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (D)

Day 03: ISTANBUL (Byzantine Wonders)
Starting from the old city visit the great city of two continents. See the Ancient Roman Hippodrome, visit Great Hagia Sophia from 6th century. This impressive church of Justinian period is not only known for its size but also for its decoration. Continue to Underground Cistern to admire the atmosphere of Byzantium architecture. We will finish the day in the famous
and eccentric Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Day 04: ISTANBUL (Ottoman Treasures)
Morning visit to Blue Mosque, With its six minarets, it is the reflection of Ottoman architecture. Then continue to the Topkapı Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans until the 19th century. Today it is great museum where you can admire the largest Ottoman collections. Afternoon discover the award winning Archaeological Museums of Istanbul. Finish the day in the Spice Market. (B)

Day 05: Istanbul – Ankara
Today we drive to Ankara, visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum. In this extraordinary museum we will admire the ancient Assyrians and Hittites potteries. Overnight in Ankara. (B)

Day 06: Ankara – Cappadocia
After a short visit in the capital continue to Cappadocia via Salt Lake. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day 07: Cappadocia
Discover Cappadocia. Visit the valleys, villages. Camel Valley, Pasabag valley and fairy chimneys. Visit a Carpet School. Discover one of the oldest Turkish art. Rug weaving in Anatolia first began with the arrival of the Turkish tribes from Central Asia, who settled in this region. Afternoon red
clay workshop in a pottery factory in Cappadocia. (Red clay works) (B,D)

Day 08: Cappadocia
Continue to discover Cappadocia. Visit an underground city, Goreme open air museum, Onyx Factory. Afternoon we will return to pottery factory for a white clay workshop. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day 09: Cappadocia – Eskişehir
Drive to Eskişehir. Visit the Meerschaum museum. (Meerschaum is a soft white mineral sometimes found floating on the Black Sea, and rather suggestive of sea-foam. It is opaque and of white, grey or cream color, breaking with a conchoidal or fine earthy fracture, and occasionally fibrous in texture). Overnight in Eskişehir. (B,D)

Day 10 : Eskişehir – Bursa – Iznik - Istanbul
Drive to Bursa. Visit the famous silk bazaar, then drive to Iznik. Visit Iznik ceramic factory. Following the establishment of the Ottoman Empire in the
early 14th century, Iznik pottery initially followed Seljuk Empire antecedents. Continue to Istanbul. Farewell dinner in Istanbul and overnight. (B,D)

Day 11: Istanbul airport
Transfer to Istanbul airport, end of our services.

FOR REGISTRATION & QUESTIONS PLEASE CONTACT:
Cenk Eronat, Director of Art Programs
info@tutkutours.com
+90-232 441-8635 / 441-8676 / 441-8677