The exhibition explores Kütahya pottery from the late 19th century to early 20th century. It presents ceramics and tiles with bright-coloured motifs inspired by Iznik pottery, while focusing on the period of the Greek occupation of the city (the Benaki’s words) and the production of inscribed ceramics with the phrase “Souvenir of Kütahya” commissioned by Greeks.
Placing Kütahya pottery within the historical context of this turbulent era, with its ongoing conflicts (Balkan Wars, World War I and Greco-Turkish War), the exhibition focuses on Christian and Muslim workshops and aims, for the first time, to shed light on this era by discussing the impact of historical events on the local communities.
The last section of the exhibition is devoted to the legacy of Kütahya ceramics after 1922 through the works of Greek and Armenian potters based in Athens and Jerusalem.
Issue 66, December 2023
Turkey’s Centenary Issue
