R&D Laboratory

Iznik Mavi Cini R&D Laboratory was established to support traditional Iznik ceramic production with scientific methods. Laboratory work is led by founding partner Mahmut Çalışkan, who graduated from Anadolu University Bilecik Vocational School, Department of Mining, in 1983 and oversees the workshop’s raw material, glaze and color development processes.

XRF Analysis and Quartz Control

Raw material composition is measured in the laboratory through XRF (X-ray fluorescence) analysis. The main purpose of these analyses is to monitor the high quartz (SiO₂) content, one of the defining technical characteristics of Iznik ceramic. The SiO₂ values measured in historical Iznik ceramics in archaeometric studies by M.S. Tite of the University of Oxford (Tite, 1989 — Archaeometry) and Dr. Gülsu Şimşek Franci of Koç University (Şimşek & Colomban, 2019 — J. Eur. Ceram. Soc.) are used as academic reference points.

Color and Surface Development for Restoration Projects

The R&D Laboratory also carries out color and surface studies required for restoration projects. During the Eyüp Sultan Tomb restoration project (2013–2015), 11 different red tones were developed to match the red shades of the original tiles; 6 of these tones were used in the restoration tiles. For the Bursa Green Tomb restoration, 85 m² of border tiles, inscribed panels and mosaic panels were produced and delivered with the approval of Istanbul Technical University.

Color and surface development studies at the Iznik Mavi Cini R&D Laboratory

Documents and Reports

The following test and analysis reports are shared to document Iznik Mavi Cini’s quality control processes for raw material control, quartz content monitoring, glaze resistance and product groups intended for food contact. The reports were issued by Seramik Araştırma Merkezi A.Ş. and TTS Laboratory Services.

The quartz analysis reports show that the SiO₂ content is monitored in ceramic tile and tableware body samples. The glaze crazing resistance test was carried out according to TS EN ISO 10545-11. Product groups intended for food contact were tested for lead and cadmium release according to ISO 6486, with the results reported as “PASS”.

For detailed information about the technical structure, quartz content and production process of Iznik ceramics, you can visit our What Is Iznik Ceramic? page. For information about our production area and workshop structure, you can visit our Our Workshop page.