How Cappadocia’s Avanos became heartbeat of pottery in Türkiye
Gokhan Ozgul, the 30-year pottery master of Cappadocia, one of Turkiye's important tourism centers with its historical and cultural texture, makes pots in Nevsehir, Türkiye, November 28, 2024. (AA Photo)
Pottery, one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring arts, dates back thousands of years. It involves shaping clay and earth into functional and decorative items, often using a potter’s wheel or hand techniques.
Though the exact origins of pottery remain uncertain, evidence suggests that it began during the Neolithic era, alongside the advent of agriculture.
Historical records affirm that pottery has been practiced continuously since then, serving as a testament to its lasting utility and artistic value.
Pottery begins with soil, one of the most versatile natural materials. Clay is mixed with water and sometimes combined with other earth components to achieve the desired consistency.
Shaping is done either by hand or with the help of a potter’s wheel.
These creations range from simple utilitarian items like pots, pans and storage jars to artistic vases and decorative pieces.
Archaeological findings from Kayseri, Bogazkoy, and Troy reveal that wheel-made pottery was practiced in Anatolia as early as 5,000 years ago.
During the Ottoman period, both glazed and unglazed earthenware, such as water jugs and jars, were commonly produced. Today, pottery remains a vibrant craft in regions such as Eskisehir, Manisa, Bilecik, Nevsehir, Avanos and Diyarbakir.
Avanos: Heart of pottery in Cappadocia
Heritage passed down through generations
The tradition of pottery in Avanos, Nevsehir, has its roots in the ancient Hittite civilization of the second millennium B.C. Known as Venessa in antiquity, Avanos became a hub for pottery because of its rich volcanic soil and clay deposits brought by the Kizilirmak River.
The town’s artisans have carried forward this legacy, making pottery an integral part of Avanos’ culture and economy.
Historically, Avanos craftworkers would sell their wares in neighboring villages and towns, often using donkeys to transport the goods.
They engaged in barter, trading pottery for staples like rice, cheese, and salt. Broken pottery left along the roadsides became a distinctive feature, inspiring the folk, saying, “Even the blind can find their way to Avanos by the trail of broken pots.”
This deeply rooted tradition continues today, with workshops at nearly every corner of the town.
Art of shaping earth
Creating Avanos pottery is a meticulous process. The clay, sourced from the Kizilirmak riverbeds and Avanos mountains, is sifted and mixed into a malleable form. It is then shaped on potter’s wheels in workshops called “islik.” After forming, pieces are sun-dried, shadow-dried, and finally fired at 800 degrees Celsius (1472 degrees Fahrenheit).
Decorative touches include applying colored clays, painting with glazes, or carving intricate designs. The resulting products range from cooking pots, yogurt bowls and water jugs to decorative vases and modern kitchenware.
Pottery as therapy
Besides its cultural and practical significance, pottery is also known for its therapeutic qualities. Doctors often recommend it as a calming and creative activity that benefits mental health.
The traditional potter’s wheel, operated with foot pedals, adds a tactile and visual delight to the process. Watching a master potter transform raw clay into a beautifully shaped vessel is a mesmerizing experience, showcasing both skill and creativity.
Cappadocia’s onyx stone crafting
From earth to elegance
Beyond pottery, Cappadocia is also renowned for its onyx stone craftsmanship. Found predominantly near Hacibektas, this semi-precious stone comes in hues of white, red, pink and cream.
Artisans carve and polish onyx into jewelry, home décor, and intricate accessories. The stone’s unique patterns and veins make each piece a work of art, further enhancing Cappadocia’s reputation as a hub for traditional craftsmanship.
Legacy of creativity, resilience
Pottery and stone crafting in Türkiye reflect a profound connection between humanity and earth, combining utility with artistic expression.
As ancient traditions continue to thrive in modern times, they serve as a bridge between past and present, preserving a heritage that inspires awe and admiration.
