Traditional Turkish Arts: From Past to Present
Traditional Turkish arts are an important part of our cultural heritage that has developed and enriched over centuries. These arts have stood out throughout history with their aesthetic values, technical mastery and deep meanings. In this article, we will examine the history of traditional Turkish arts, important branches of art and their reflections in the modern age.
1. Ebru Art: Historical and Modern Applications
Ebru art is a branch of art known for its technique of creating patterns on water and dates back to the Ottoman period.
History: It was developed in the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century and was used especially in book decorations and calligraphy.
Techniques: Using special marbling paints and tragacanth water, patterns are created on the water surface and these patterns are transferred to paper.
Modern Applications: Today, the art of marbling is performed with both traditional techniques and modern interpretations. Artists create new works by using marbling on various surfaces and materials.
Featured Artists: Hikmet Barutçugil, Alparslan Babaoğlu.
2. Calligraphy: Subtleties of Traditional Calligraphy
Calligraphy is the art of writing Arabic letters in an aesthetic way, which developed after the acceptance of Islam.
History: It began with the use of Arabic letters in the art of writing with the acceptance of Islam. It reached its peak during the Ottoman period.
Types: There are different writing styles such as thuluth, nesih, divani, talik and rik'a.
Materials: Basic materials such as pen, ink, and paper are used. The pen is usually made of reed or bamboo.
Modern Applications: Today, calligraphy is performed in both traditional and modern styles. Contemporary calligraphy artists combine traditional forms with modern art to create new works.
Featured Artists: Calligrapher Mustafa Rakım, Calligrapher Kazasker Mustafa İzzet, Davut Bektaş.
3. Tile Art: From the Ottoman Period to the Present
Tile art is a branch of art in which patterns and motifs are processed on ceramics and it had an important place in the Ottoman period.
History: It started in the Seljuk period and developed in centers such as Iznik and Kütahya during the Ottoman period.
Techniques: Tile works are decorated with various motifs and colors. Blue, red and white colors are usually used.
Modern Applications: Today, tile art is used in both decorative objects and architectural ornaments. Modern tile artists create new designs using traditional motifs and colors.
Featured Artists: Mehmet Gürsoy, Füreya Koral.
4. Protection and Preservation of Traditional Turkish Handicrafts
Traditional Turkish handicrafts are an important part of our cultural heritage and various methods are applied for their preservation.
Education and Workshops: Education programs and workshops are organized to keep handicrafts alive. In this way, young generations have the opportunity to learn and practice traditional techniques.
Museums and Exhibitions: Traditional Turkish arts are exhibited in museums and introduced to both local and foreign visitors.
State and Private Sector Support: The state and private sector contribute to the survival of these arts by providing projects and funds that support handicrafts.
Integration with Modern Art: Traditional techniques are combined with modern art to create new and original works. In this way, traditional arts find a place in the contemporary art world.
Conclusion
Traditional Turkish arts have developed throughout history and continue to be kept alive today. Marbling, calligraphy, tile and other handicrafts are performed with both traditional techniques and modern interpretations, enriching our cultural heritage.
The preservation and survival of these arts is of great importance in terms of passing on our cultural values to future generations.
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