Avanos pottery is a well-known ceramic product that tourists take from Turkey to all corners of the world. Here’s what my experience was like when I visited one of the local workshops.
The town of Avanos is located just 15 kilometers from Nevşehir. In antiquity, it was known as Vanessa, meaning “the town on the river” in Latin. For centuries, locals here have crafted ceramic objects—pitchers, plates, large jars, and other household items. Even today, this ancient tradition continues, and Avanos is renowned for its beautiful terracotta products.
Avanos Pottery
I joined a group of tourists for a tour of one of the shops where these utensils are both sold and handmade. The store displayed stunning plates, pitchers, and jars, all in varying shades of blue, adorned with intricate hand-painted patterns. Then, we made our way to the workshop, where the iconic pottery wheel awaited us.
“Anyone want to give it a spin?” asked the friendly shopkeeper.
Why not, I thought. I had never tried pottery before, and I was right—this would definitely be a memory to cherish when it comes to Things to do in Cappadocia.
As I sat down at the wheel, the wet clay splattered in all directions, swirling around, slowly forming what vaguely resembled a jar. Just when I started feeling proud of my creation, it collapsed into what could best be described as… a bowl.
At first, I was puzzled by the colorful pants they handed me before I sat down. But as soon as I started working the wheel, it all made sense—the clay was wet and lively, bouncing onto my clothes and shoes. In the end, I managed to create a sort of jar, and like all tourists, they promised to fire it in their clay ovens, ensuring that my “masterpiece” would be preserved.
“Well, that was fun,” I thought as I left the shop, still finding bits of clay in my hair!
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11 responses
That sounds like fun. And a recognition of the skill required to make something beautiful.
It was fun, thanks! 🙂
Such a nice experience. I did not visit cappadocia yet, but was in a similar place called Kandovan in Iran, but no potteries there.
It was fun to do it since pottery is a traditional craft in this small town. 🙂 Btw, have seen some of your posts on Iran, loved them!
I love the pottery places near Cap. The whole area is just amazing. I used to go a couple times per year!
Couple times per year? That sounds like fun and enough time to see it all! 🙂
This looks like a lot of fun! And incidentally I love terracotta products – I find that they have such a rustic look to them and often makes food look more inviting!
You’re so right, great meals to be prepared in those dishes! Love to use terracotta dishes too, just never tried to actually make one. Until Cappadocia! 😀
I’d love to have a go at this it looks so fun! The dishes are beautiful. Heard great things about Cappadocia I hope we can make it there soon.
Liked them too, I was hooked when I saw so many blue jars! Fingers crossed for you to go soon. 🙂