Discussion on Art in Turkey

          The discussion surrounded many opinions on the differences between the viewer's perception of of worth compared the the artist hi or herself. We discussed where the line is drawn on the value of an artist's piece. We brought about the three categories the article placed traditional Turkish art in. They were: 1. sade- plain and simple appearance and approach. ; 2 ciddi- serious, masterful and perfection in construction and appearance.; 3. canli- Soulful, lively and energetic. In the article it said it were as if the 'master's spirit was at play.'

   Cappadoccia
This was an amazing place to see. The minute you walk between the homes in the mountain you feel like crying and just in awe of the beauty. The first room we walked into had this large wheel inside of a well.

           The wheel was a wheat mill. Next to that very room were holds going up the side of one of the large borders that would lead to the next level above the room with wheat mill. After that we walked a little more to a small sanctuary that was also built into the rock. There were several different images painted along the border of the walls. They were two kinds of crosses. one of them was a particular cross, pronounced 'eekis,'  that helped people identify Jesus. There were also half domed rooms tat had seats carved out in the wall where the priest and other church clergies sat. One of the interesting features, to me, was a small grave that was placed in front of one of the alf domed rooms. It was grave for those who were close to the church and wanted to be burried in to be closer to G-d. The sight of Capedoccia, wow, it is the most beautiful and spiritual place I have stepped foot in.

   While we walked around there were several groups of Junior high students asking us if they could take photos or practice their English with them. That was a wonderful experience. They let us practice our Turkish with them as well.

Potter: Chez Galip

 This was quite a treat. When you walk into the shop it is deep into the mountain with about nine rooms. There is pottery to be sold and potters wheel for more to be made on. Galip, the potter, showed us what he does on the wheel. I would call him quite the magician at what he does. he taught us some technique and then showed us around the place. Now, some of our favorite parts were quite odd but delightful. He was know for collecting hair. He would place people's addresses on and if he picked, at random, a person, they would be invited back to visit him. He was in the World Records of 1998 for this collection. It is awesome. But, his pottery is a much better sight to see.

Weaving: Pile

     After Galip we got a chance to see how pile weaving is done. After seeing how an authentic carpet is made I have more admiration for this particular art form. We also got to see how silk rugs are made starting at the very beginning with the actual silk worm. That was cool. They showed us how it was boiled and then threaded and spun. After seeing all of this we got a chance to sit down, have some Chi (tea) and coffee (Turkish, yum) or wine and enjoy a show of finished pieces of the most gorgeous silk and  wool on wool carpets.