The city of Kütahya is most famous for the production of ceramics and tiles, which were used to decorate mosques, churches and synagogues throughout the Middle East and Europe.
In the late 1980’s there was a sudden explosion in the creativity of the designs and technical quality of the wares. This growth was led by the children and grandchildren of the postwar Kütahya artists and by others who were attracted by the creativity and commercial prospects of this dynamic sector.
In February of 2001 the ateliers were bustling to fill orders for decorative ceramic wares and tiles for Turkey, the Middle East, Germany, Austria, Japan, Australia, and elsewhere. The industries of Kütahya have long traditions, going back to ancient times. Kütahya is famous for its kiln products, such as tiles and pottery, which are glazed and multicoloured. Modern industries are sugar refining, tanning, nitrate processing and different products of meerschaum, which is extracted nearby. The local agricultural industry produces cereals, fruits and sugar beet. In addition stock raising is of much importance. Not far from Kütahya there are important mines extracting lignite.
The gentleman on the left is considered by many as the most talented with this tradition of all in the country. Eric Van Buskirk bought 50 plates from him, many of which museums would want (they’ve been given away– mostly as wedding and birthday presents!)