Our Story
Iznik Mavi Cini was founded in Iznik in 2002 by Mahmut Çalışkan, Serap Ereyli and İsmail Kaya. The three founding partners had previously worked together at a ceramic production company in Iznik. Through this experience, they gained a close understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of Iznik ceramic production, and in 2002 they established their own workshop to begin an independent production journey.
Founders
Mahmut Çalışkan graduated from Anadolu University Bilecik Vocational School, Department of Mining, in 1983. He oversees Iznik Mavi Cini’s raw material processes and R&D Laboratory work. His technical background in mining plays an important role in the controlled production of the quartz-based fritware body used in Iznik ceramics.
Serap Ereyli graduated from Mimar Sinan University, Department of Traditional Turkish Arts and Ceramics. She leads the pattern design work, from collection pieces to restoration projects.
İsmail Kaya has gained experience in every stage of Iznik ceramic production from a young age. He is responsible for managing the body preparation, slip application and glazing processes in the workshop.
The three founding partners are registered by the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism as Bearers of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
From 2002 to Today
Iznik Mavi Cini began production in 2002 in a small workshop in the Iznik industrial area. Its first major project was the restoration of Bursa Green Tomb, one of the early masterpieces of Ottoman tile art. For this restoration, 85 m² of Iznik ceramic production was delivered with the approval of Istanbul Technical University.
In 2004, Iznik Mavi Cini produced a single-piece 40×80 cm Iznik ceramic tile for the first time after 450 years. In 2013, the workshop produced the world’s largest Iznik ceramic panel for Kayseri City Square, followed in 2014 by the world’s largest miniature Iznik ceramic panel for the Eskişehir Dede Korkut Monument.
The Green Tomb project was followed by works such as Eyüp Sultan Tomb, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and Istanbul Çamlıca Mosque. Completed works can be viewed on our Restoration Projects and Architectural Projects pages.
In 2018, Iznik Mavi Cini moved into its newly built 1,550 m² workshop. Powered by solar energy, the workshop continues production with a team of 20 people, including 3 founding partners and 17 skilled team members.
Today, Iznik Mavi Cini exports to Denmark, the Netherlands, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, and collaborates with international brands such as Copenhagen-based April Coffee Roasters. You can explore our handmade collections or learn more about the history and technical structure of Iznik ceramics.