It's FLASH BACK FRIDAY!! Today we'll dig up an old post from our blog's archives to share with you again! There's some good stuff in there. Today it's our Iznik Tile post from July 2011. Check it out!
I was recently in Istanbul, Turkey and was obviously enamored by the beautiful Iznik tiles all over the Great Palace and the Blue Mosque. "These tiles were... very suitable for mosques and other buildings because of their ability to absorb sound waves, creating an acoustic effect. The quartz mineral and network of pores help in heat insulation and air exchange of buildings. Because of the way that the tiles reflect the light, they create the effect of more space in mosques and other buildings."
I was further intrigued to learn that the secret to their production was lost in the 18th century. However, the technique has recently been rediscovered. To learn more about it click here: CLICK
My husband and I decided to buy a piece of authentic Iznik reproduction for my parents. This artist does exact reproductions from early Iznik design. Is it decorated with tulips and carnations in very traditional blues, greens and reds and is made using 85% quartz, just like the antiques used to be made.
The tulip is a symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Surprisingly we learned that tulips are native to Turkey and didn't make their way to Europe until the 16th century. The period between 1718 and 1730 is often regarded as the Tulip Period in Turkish history which was a period of the ottoman empire. The name derives from the tulip craze among the Ottoman Court society. To this day the tulip is still considered the embodiment of perfection, beauty, abundance and indulgence. It can still be seen all over Turkey. On our multiple tours we were told it's also a symbol representing Allah (or God). Since in Arabic "Allah" written looks similar to the bud of a tulip.
A couple of years ago Mottahedeh created their own Turkish Garden Tin Plate inspired by antique Iznik designs. You may not be able to make your way to Istanbul, but you can have a sliver of the beauty of Turkey in your own home! Lead free, made of tin, and perfect for a picnic or out on your boat.
