About us

IZNIK FOUNDATION

Iznik Foundation was established to preserve and revive the lost art of authentic Iznik Çini, one of the most celebrated artistic traditions of the Ottoman Empire. Following centuries of disappearance, the Foundation successfully rediscovered and reconstructed the original materials, formulas, and production methods through decades of dedicated research and collaboration with leading institutions, historians, scientists, and artisans.

Today, this knowledge continues to be practiced in Iznik, ensuring that one of Türkiye’s most significant cultural legacies remains a living tradition rather than a historical memory.

IZNIK DESIGN LAB

Iznik Design Lab was created as the contemporary continuation of this heritage. While rooted in centuries of craftsmanship, the studio looks forward rather than backward, transforming the language of traditional Iznik Çini into contemporary works for collectors, architects, designers, and cultural spaces.

Rather than reproducing historical objects, Iznik Design Lab creates original works that explore new forms, applications, and artistic possibilities while remaining faithful to the principles and craftsmanship that define authentic Iznik Çini.

PRODUCTION

Each piece is produced entirely by hand in our ateliers in Iznik, Türkiye, using the original materials and production methods of historical Iznik Çini. From the preparation of quartz-rich bodies and natural pigments to hand-drawn decoration, glazing, and firing, every stage follows the same techniques that defined the masterpieces of the 15th and 16th centuries.

What distinguishes Iznik Design Lab is not inspiration from the past, but continuity with it. While many studios reinterpret traditional motifs and techniques, our work is created using the authentic formulas, materials, and production processes of Iznik Çini itself.

At the heart of this tradition is a unique quartz-rich body, one of the defining characteristics of authentic Iznik Çini, giving the work its exceptional luminosity, refinement, and durability.

Founded by a woman and powered by a team that is more than 90% women, the atelier also reflects a commitment to supporting and advancing female craftsmanship, ensuring that this remarkable tradition continues to thrive through new generations of artisans.

The result is a body of work that bridges heritage and innovation, bringing one of the world’s most extraordinary ceramic traditions into the present while preserving its authenticity and spirit.