In the Mediterranean and Anatolian regions, where viticulture has flourished, grapes have been considered a sacred fruit symbolizing abundance, prosperity, and fertility. The culture of the vine dates back to around 6000 BCE, and archaeological findings show that grapes were consumed fresh and dried and even used in wine production in Anatolia from the Chalcolithic Period onwards. During the Hittite period, special laws were enacted to protect vineyards and gardens; rock carvings depicted the god of abundance holding wheat stalks and grape clusters, and grapes and wine were offered to gods during religious ceremonies. These examples demonstrate the significance of grapes in Anatolian civilizations.

The Mythological and Religious Symbolism of Grapes

In legends, grapes frequently appear as symbols of rebirth. Stories involving grapes and wine often reference Noah. In Greek mythology, Dionysus is credited with discovering how to make wine from grapes. The common theme in these myths is the emphasis on resurrection. In ancient times, the grape cluster, vine leaf, and kantharos (an ancient Greek cup for drinking wine) were symbols of Dionysus, the god of the harvest. Motifs associated with Dionysus appear in vase paintings, on the coins of cities renowned for their vineyards, such as Caria, Tenedos, and Soloi, and on tombstones. In Roman mythology, Bacchus, the counterpart of Dionysus, was a fertility god who nurtured plants. The vine and grape motifs found on tombstones from the Roman period symbolize not only the deceased’s involvement in wine production or viticulture but also a wish for a life of abundance and prosperity in the afterlife.

Vine and Grape Motifs in Early Christian Art

The grape, which "dies" when plucked from its stem and is transformed into wine when pressed, represents rebirth. In some artworks, the bird symbolizing the soul of the deceased is depicted consuming the grape that represents immortality, signifying the soul's attainment of eternal life. Stone carvings from the Early Byzantine period show birds eating grapes among vine leaves and grape clusters. In Christian art, since wine represents the blood of Jesus, the vine and grape symbolize the peace of heaven and the soul's spiritual happiness. This motif, frequently used in church decorations, symbolizes heavenly life.

Grape Motifs in Ottoman Art

In the Ottoman period, the grape emerged as a prominent motif in works of art. Inspired by 15th-century Ming porcelains, grape clusters became highly impressive in Iznik ceramics. The grape plates produced between 1530 and 1540, with the unique interpretations of Iznik artisans, were used for many years. In structures like the Takkeci Ibrahim Aga Mosque in Topkapi, the Eyup Sultan Mausoleum, and the Imperial Pavilion of the New Mosque, vine branches and spring branches rise in parallel curves or wrap around cypress trees. Although grape and vine motifs are rare in Iznik tiles, they became quite popular in other regions of the Ottoman Empire, such as Damascus. Grape clusters in cobalt blue, turquoise, sage green, and manganese purple on vine branches combine with naturalistic flower motifs, symbolizing the grape as a fruit of paradise. These motifs are also found on tombstones, establishing a connection between death and eternal life.

Traces of Vineyards: Descriptions by Evliya Çelebi and Sestini

While describing the vineyards cultivated along the Bosphorus, Evliya Çelebi gives a vivid account, and towards the end of the 18th century, the Italian scholar Sestini also details these vineyards. Though today little remains of these vineyards apart from place names such as Bağlarbaşı in Üsküdar, their descriptions live on in works of art.

Traces of the Vine and Grape: A Legacy in Traditional Iznik Tile Art

The culture of the vine and grape in the lands of Anatolia and the Mediterranean is not merely an agricultural activity but also a powerful symbol of faith, fertility, and rebirth that has endured through civilizations. This symbolic journey, spanning from ancient times to the Ottoman period, has manifested itself across various domains, from art to architecture. If you wish to keep this rich cultural heritage alive and feel this historical touch in your home, explore Iznik Mavi Çini’s grape-patterned Iznik tiles. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover the elegant reflections of this ancient motif in Iznik tile art.