İznik Tile

İznik, district of Bursa, has been home to many civilizations for centuries. It is also regarded as the capital of tile art.

This magnificent craft flourished in the hands of master artisans and reached its golden age in the 14th and 15th centuries. Tiles were widely used to decorate mosques and palaces of the period, further enhancing the magnificence of these structures.

Containing 80% quartz, a semi-precious stone, İznik tiles are referred to in ceramic literature as the “Impossible-to-Produce Ceramic.”

Tile artists adorned their works with motifs symbolizing their social life and beliefs. The main theme of these motifs, shaped by Islamic philosophy, was the aspiration to reach God. Grapes symbolized abundance in every era, while tulips represented life. Peace and love were expressed through colors and motifs in the tiles. Today, they stand as an important part of our historical and cultural heritage.