A UNESCO-Recognized Turkish Artist will Compile 7,000 Çini Patterns in a Book

Discover the exquisite world of Turkish çini patterns by UNESCO-recognized artisan Hamza Üstünkaya. Explore 7,000 intricate designs in his upcoming book!

on Mar 21, 2024

A UNESCO-Recognized Turkish Artist will Compile 7,000 Çini Patterns in a Book | Frontlist

A UNESCO-recognized "Çini" artisan from Türkiye's western province of Kütahya plans to create complete books featuring approximately 7,000 intricate patterns.

Çini is a traditional Turkish art form of ceramic tile painting. It involves decorating ceramic surfaces with elaborate patterns and designs using colored glazes.

Hamza Üstünkaya, UNESCO's Living Human Treasure, has dedicated his life to conserving and promoting the traditional art of çini-making, which he received from his father.
According to UNESCO, a Living Human Treasure is someone with an exceptional level of experience and mastery in the knowledge and practices required to preserve or revive specific pieces of intangible cultural property.

The 77-year-old expert described çini art as "roses blooming in the fire," emphasizing the craft's tremendous depth, originality, and intricacy, stating, "While making tiles, one is immersed in thoughts." It is a work that is enjoyable to create and exciting to see emerge from the kiln."

"Çini is a pleasure for the eye," Üstünkaya was quoted as saying, "The symmetry, color and pattern of our Kütahya çini are abundant." The artform is distinguished by geometric shapes and floral themes, which are frequently used to decorate architectural features in mosques and palaces, as well as decorative elements in homes.

Üstünkaya asserted that each tile requires painstaking craftsmanship and stated that there aren't many individuals doing this type of job nowadays.

"I have been drawing original patterns for our tile for about 33 years," she said.

Üstünkaya expressed his commitment to innovation and quality by revealing his ambitious ambition to change çini design, highlighting the distinctiveness and potential effect of his creative patterns.

He intends to put his works into volumes, anticipating that the patterns would captivate audiences worldwide and raise the profile of Kütahya's distinctive tile art.
According to his calculations, there are enough patterns to fill 17-20 books. "These patterns are nowhere else," he said.

Reflecting on his surprising rise to international popularity, Üstünkaya stated, "While I was working in my studio, a delegation arrived and said they wanted to offer me this award, which I learned about in front of the undersecretary. "I was thrilled."

Despite his growing reputation, the craftsman remains steadfast in his dedication to his trade and community.