Cappadocia’s 5,000-year-old ceramic art to be promoted in Japan
The rich ceramic art of Cappadocia, preserved in the ateliers of Avanos in Nevsehir, Türkiye, is being featured in a shoot for Crea Traveller, one of Japan's leading travel magazines, April 28, 2025. (AA Photo)
Crea Traveller, one of Japan’s top travel magazines known for featuring prestigious global destinations, recently documented vibrant ceramic workshops in Avanos, where the craft has been practiced for nearly 5,000 years. The feature is expected to play a significant role in boosting the visibility of Cappadocia’s artisanal heritage in Japan.
The magazine’s coverage also highlights the work of Nida Olcar, a Ministry of Culture and Tourism artist and the daughter of the late master ceramicist Sitki Olcar, a UNESCO Living Human Treasure awardee. The photographs and stories will capture not only completed ceramic works but also the intricate process behind their creation.
Japanese travelers fascinated by traditional crafts
Yoko Saymaz, who guided the Crea Traveller team in Avanos, told Anadolu Agency that Japanese tourists are particularly drawn to traditional handicrafts.
“Japanese people love handmade arts,” Saymaz explained. “When they visit, they want to explore the places where these beautiful works are created. We aim to support and promote these incredible arts to Japanese travelers.”
Along with the famed ceramic workshops, the feature will also showcase local pottery ateliers and ceramic museums, enriching Japanese tourists’ appreciation of Cappadocia‘s cultural depth.
A lifetime devoted to ceramic art
Ceramic artist Nida Olcar shared her personal journey, recalling how she began working in her father’s atelier at a very young age. Since 2011, she has participated in 16 exhibitions, including showcases in Qatar and Hong Kong.
Olcar emphasized the importance of promoting Turkish ceramic art in East Asia:
“Introducing our ceramic art to the Far East will contribute greatly to tourism. These shoots will bring more attention to Cappadocia,” she said.
Underground ceramic museums set to captivate Japanese tourists
Gulay Demirtas, the manager of an underground ceramic museum popular among tourists, believes the magazine feature will inspire more Japanese travelers to prioritize Cappadocia in their holiday plans.
“The publicity will undoubtedly influence the vacation choices of Japanese tourists,” she noted.
