Pottery in Avanos

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.