POTTERY
The history of pottery in Cappadocia goes back to Hitttites.
Pottery making first started in Anatolia during the Neolithic age (7th
millennium BC) at Catalhoyuk (Konya) and around 2000 BC , the Assyrianss of
Mesopotamia brought the skill of terracotta pot making to their trading
partners, the Hittotes. The handicraft has been continued by the civilisations
of the region to date.
The most renowned terracotta pottery producing town of
Cappadocia is Avanos. The town is built on volcanic soil and the silt carried
by the Kizilirmark River as well as the good quality day deposits make the town
a suitable place for ceramic production. The red fat soil is processed and
brought for hand turning at simple looking workshops.
CARPET AND KILIM WEAVING
In Cappadocia, continuing since the Byzantine Period, is
more common in Urgup and Avanos . In Avanos the line pattern Kilim is also
woven. Seljuk patterns are dominant in ancient carpets woven with root dyes.
However at present the patterns from surrounding regions are also woven.
The numerous carpet shops display and supply local carpets
as well as carpets from other regions. Here you can find almost any type of
Turkish carpet.
ONYX-STONE TURNING
In Cappadocia, stones have played an important role in daily
life from past to present. Stones have been used for building houses and
religious buildings as well as producing jewellery and decorative items.
The vicinity of Hacibektas is renowned for deposits of
yellow, pink, red and milky onyx. There are also stones of mixed colours,
called “marbled stones”. The onyx is designed and carved to make ornament
belongings and house accessories.
ACCOMMODATION
ACCOMMODATION
There are many hotels and pensions in the region. If you prefer , you can stay, like generations of Cappadocians, in fairy chimneys or rock hewn dwellings operating as boutique hotels.
SHOPPING
Shops and market places selling local handicrafts provide a wide palette of colours , patterns and designs. Local onyx stone works are given a form which will appeal to your tastes. The “rag dolls” reflecting the warmth and sweetness of the region with their colourful designs and costumes are mostly preferred by the collectors. Terracotta pots, tiles, statuettes of carved tuff and rock, hand woven carpets and kilims, as well as good quality wines should also be on your shopping lists.
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