Iznik is historically famous for its production of cobalt blue glazed earthenware. These painted tiles can be found in various mosques, tombs, libraries and palace complexes in Istanbul and all over Turkey.

I first discovered Iznik after visiting Rustem Pasha Mosque (Turkish = Rüstem Paşa Camii) in Istanbul. Rustem Pasha Mosque is most famous for its expansive use of Iznik tiles, decorating the inner walls, mihrab, minbar and external facade with over 80 different floral and geometric designs. It is also an intimate mosque, tucked above the Strawmat Weavers Market (Turkish = Hasırcılar Çarşısı). A juxtaposition between the tranquility of this place of worship, from the bustling marketplace downstairs, along with the feeling of being the sole foreigner in a international city swarmed by tourists, travellers and expatriates from all corners of the globe; this was by far my favourite mosque to see in Istanbul.

So flash forward, a month later, to a 1 hour ferry ride to Yalova then a 2 hour dolmus journey to Iznik. This town splashes its history with pride. Every corner, mosques, libraries, schools, buildings and shops are decorated with Iznik tiles.

 

Even the street signs, street numbers and trashcans have been decorated in the infamous Iznik design.

The design is said to have Ottoman arabesque origins, mixed with elements from Chinese blue-and-white porcelain. Perhaps it was my Chinese origins which drew me instinctively to this art and this town. Now Iznik is the sole town in which I have a photo collection of trashcans.