Glossary of Ceramic and Tile Terms

The book titled "Dictionary of Ceramic and Tile Terms", prepared by Cahit Yılmaz to contribute to a healthier definition of Turkish tile and ceramic art, was published by YEM Yayın.

The book offers a broad perspective ranging from tile and ceramic production materials, tools, techniques, and methods to motif and color usage; from historical production centers to regional characteristic details; and from famous tile masters to styles. Enriched by including terms from ceramics, pottery, archaeology, and architecture, in addition to tiles, the book provides information that goes beyond a mere dictionary, with original examples of the concepts explained accompanied by numerous color photographs and drawings. Thus, a very rich collection of works, many of which are in private collections and presented for the first time in this book, is shared with the reader.

Cahit Yılmaz, who says, "Tile art is perhaps the most magnificent of all decorative arts," explains his reason for preparing such a work as follows:

"A significant problem noted in research and publications on tile art is that tile terminology is not sufficiently systematic and lacks coherence. We see that the same concepts are used differently by different authors. The definitions, scopes, similarities, or differences between terms have not been clearly established. Especially the word 'çini' (tile) has been expressed with different terms in different geographies. While this art form was called 'kaşi' in Iran, Turkestan, and Anatolia, the word 'çini', which later entered Turkish, became widespread and established. Although it is not possible to go back, thinking about the origin and use of this word is an important part of the terminology discussion.

We can say that a similar confusion exists in Western languages. The French called this concept 'céramique', the English 'ceramic' or 'tiles', and the Germans 'keramik'. Researchers in Turkey directly adopted these terms according to their own schools, often using the words 'çini', 'seramik', and 'keramik' interchangeably. However, there are significant differences in meaning between these terms. Based on these observations, I realized that terminology is of great importance in the writing, narration, and learning processes related to tile art. Terminology is the alphabet of art; it is impossible to read or write without knowing the alphabet…

During my 25 years of service in Kütahya, I developed an interest in tile art and had the opportunity to learn this art firsthand from its masters. With both theoretical and practical knowledge, I started producing tiles; I held three personal exhibitions, wrote seventeen articles, and prepared three books that are in the printing stage. For approximately 40 years, I have directly experienced Kütahya tile art... My goal is to provide a solid reference source for those who want to learn, teach, and research this ancient art. I hope that this work will inspire the writing of more comprehensive and qualified works..."

WHO IS DR. CAHİT YILMAZ?

He was born in 1950 in Arhavi, Artvin. Married with one child, Cahit Yılmaz graduated from medical school in 1976; in 1980, he received the title of ophthalmologist. He served as an ophthalmologist in Kütahya, where he was appointed in 1983, for 25 years.

In Kütahya, considered the capital of tile art, he developed a great interest and sympathy for this ancient art. He had the opportunity to learn all the stages and intricacies of tile making, both theoretically and practically. With the meticulousness of an eye surgeon, he began to produce his own tile works by etching his motifs and compositions underglaze.

Proving the adage "everything comes out of medicine, sometimes even doctors," he held three personal exhibitions in Kütahya, Bursa, and Ankara to share his works in the field of tile art. For 25 years, he collected comprehensive information about the history of Kütahya tile art by directly contacting local artists. As a result of these researches, he wrote 17 articles on the history of Kütahya tile art and created a valuable archive. He has directly witnessed the Kütahya tile art of the last 40 years and continues his efforts without interruption to transfer the information he has compiled during this process to future generations by publishing it in various books, aiming to preserve our cultural and artistic heritage.

Cahit Yılmaz, who has two books, "Hafız Mehmet Emin Efendi, The Great Master of Turkish Tiles" (Dergâh Yayınları, 2024) and "Dictionary of Ceramic and Tile Terms" (YEM Yayın, 2025); the publication preparations for his books titled "Architectural Structures with Tile Decorations in Ankara", "Piers with Tile Decorations in Istanbul", "Motifs Used in Turkish Tile Decoration", "Turkish Tile Production Centers", "Istanbul, The World of Piers", "History of Kütahya Tile and Ceramics" are also being carried out by YEM Yayın.