Iznik: In the historic town of Iznik in northwestern Trkiye, renowned for its centuries-old ceramic tradition, master artisan Adil Can Guven is devoted to preserving and revitalizing this ancient craft. Widely recognized as a “culture bearer,” the 72-year-old has spent decades reviving and advancing the art of Iznik tiles, a passion that continues to shape his life and work.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Guven recently visited China at the invitation of the Chinese government, exploring the rich ceramic heritage of Jingdezhen, known as the “porcelain capital” of the world. The visit marked his first to the historic city and left a profound impact on him. “They showed us not just the art, but the soul behind it — the people, the stories, and centuries of craftsmanship,” Guven remarked.
Jingdezhen’s commitment to ceramic artistry resonated with Guven, particularly its modern restoration laboratories and a museum within a former brick factory. He was notably impressed by the robust institutional support for ceramic research, including a research center dedicated to material analysis and preservation. Guven expressed the need for similar investment in Iznik to secure its ceramic future.
During his visit, Guven engaged in workshops with Chinese artisans, observing restoration techniques and shaping clay alongside them. “The techniques may differ, but the passion is the same,” he stated, emphasizing that ceramic art is a universal language that transcends borders.
Reflecting on the historical connection between Chinese porcelain and Iznik ceramics, Guven noted that Iznik’s tradition was initially inspired by Chinese models but evolved into a unique Ottoman art form. He explained that the Ottoman court’s admiration for Chinese blue-and-white porcelain led local artisans to develop a similar style, albeit using different techniques due to kiln limitations.
To address these challenges, Iznik artisans employed an ancient Seljuk technique, incorporating frit, or ground glass, to the clay mixture. This innovation allowed them to create a durable ceramic body resembling porcelain, which became the foundation of Iznik tiles by the mid-15th century.
Guven continues to study and recreate ceramic works from 13 historical periods in his Iznik workshop, using traditional materials and techniques. He is dedicated to passing on these skills to younger generations, believing that preserving this heritage honors the past and shapes the future.