Sustaining Tradition: Turkish Ceramics, Tourism and the Craft Revival

On Wednesday, November 11, Southern Vermont College President David Evans gave a lecture titled: “Sustaining Tradition: Turkish Ceramics, Tourism and the Craft Revival” at Burr and Burton Academy.
President Evans shared his personal and scholarly reflections on his passion for the distinctive Turkish tradition of çini (ceramic tiles, plates and other objects).
In his talk, he explored the role of traditional arts and crafts play in tourism and economic development, including parallels that can be found in Vermont’s tourist economy. The revitalization of çini, a tradition dating back at least to the emergence of the Ottomans in the 14th century and cultivated extensively by the early sultans, who set up a large industry in the Turkish cities Iznik and Kütayha, was also discussed.

During the talk, unique pieces from Dr. Evans’ personal collection were displayed.