What is Çini?

Ceramics: colorful decorations made from ceramic material. They have a glossy surface similar to glass and typically use vivid colors such as blue, red, and green.

During the Ottoman period, ceramics were widely used in mosques, palaces and fountains.

Special materials are used to make ceramics.

Pigments: Bright colors such as blue, red and green are used.

Glaze: A special coating that gives ceramics a glossy, glass-like and durable finish.

Furnace: Ceramics are fired in a very hot furnace to harden them.

1. Clay is shaped: Ceramics are first formed into plates, tiles or decorative elements.

2. Drying: The shaped clay is left to dry completely.

3. Patterns are drawn: Flowers, leaves and geometric designs are painted using special brushes.

5. Glazing: A glossy, glass-like coating is applied over the ceramic surface.

6. Firing: The ceramics are fired at temperatures of 900–1000 degrees Celsius to harden them. And the ceramic is ready!

The beautiful tiles we see on walls, plates, and mosques are made this way.