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Last updated: 26 June, 2023
Expert travel writer: Jeremy Seal

The Cappadocian town of Avanos has for centuries – been renowned for its pottery – traditionally made by men. (Women traditionally make carpets). It’s thought the tradition started in Hittite times, 2000-1500 BC.

The town benefits from two major natural advantages for pottery-making. First, the oily and soft red clay soil collected from the Kizilimark River delta is ideal for pottery shaping.

Second, the local tufostone rock is easy to cut and shape into ceramic kilns for heating; it’s also an insulating stone, essential for achieving temperatures of between 950 and 1200 degrees Celsius to turn the clay into ceramic.

Third, the soft bedrock also allows potters to carve out studios; these semi-caves maintain a stable temperature across the varied seasons.

You’ll find studios hune into the rock at every turn, where you can watch the potters at work, and purchase some beautiful ceramics of exceptional quality.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Cappadocia: Traditional Pottery Workshop

Goreme

Cappadocia: Traditional Pottery Workshop
Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, is known for its rich history and unique landscapes, but it is also renowned for its traditional pottery. The region has a long history of pottery-making, with techniques and styles that date back centuries. If you're interested in learning about Cappadocia's pottery tradition, there are plenty of workshops and studios where you can try your hand at the craft. You can expect to learn about the history and techniques of Cappadocian pottery, as well as create your own unique piece to take home as a souvenir. *Enjoy authentic Turkish hospitality with tea or coffee refreshments * Learn a new skill with a pottery making class * Understand local culture * Enjoy authentic Turkish hospitality with tea or coffee refreshments

Price: $10

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [38 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Historical Pottery Making in Cappadocia

Goreme

Historical Pottery Making in Cappadocia
This experience for understand local culture and see the local town. You can watch Balloons by yourself, you can see view points with tours, but How can you feel local culture? With this experience! Because this experience not only for make pottery. This is for discover local Cappadocia!

Price: $16

Min age: 7

Rating 4.99 / 5 [207 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

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