TileVault: Painted Tiles at Topkapi Palace

What: Elaborate painted tiles
Where: Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
When: Friday, May 2nd 2005 at 4:00 pm
Why: This elaborate tilework can be found all over Istanbul, but nowhere is it as stunning as in the Topkapi Palace...

The bright colors and elaborate designs set the tilework at Topkapi Palace apart. Though we love the overall effect, we recognize it would be too overwhelming in more modest spaces. Our compromise? We brought home some painted tiles that we use as trivets in our rented apartment. When we someday own a home, we will find a way to incorporate our Turkish tiles using Topkapi as an inspiration.

>>To All AT Washington Posts

Comments (8)

I love Iznik tiles, the blues are the most gorgeous hue I've ever seen. I've never been to Turkey, but the Louvre has a huge collection and I can spend hours in those exhibit halls looking at all the ceramic pieces. I could dream of a winter garden entirely decorated like this, with a fountain, and wrought iron furniture, and plants.... ***sigh***

posted by Daniel Poitiers on August 19th 2008 at 8:05am
view Daniel Poitiers's profile

IMHO, I wouldn't say "nowhere" in Istanbul is the tilework is more stunning than at Topkapi. If you're in Istanbul and want to see sensational tiles, don't miss Rustem Pasa mosque.

http://newmanservices.com/turkey/slideshow.asp?SlideShow=rustem_2&Show=rustem19_10

Actually the whole city is inspirational when it comes to design...

posted by hhbklyn on August 19th 2008 at 8:14am
view hhbklyn's profile

The tiles at Topkapi are amazing, but there is so much to marvel at in Instanbul. I was there 10 days and felt like I had only scratched the surface. On my next trip, I'll have to check out Rustem Pasa. Thanks for the tip, hhbkln.

posted by london2434 on August 19th 2008 at 8:20am
view london2434's profile

i had just toured Buckingham Palace a couple days before on a layover in London on my way to Turkey. I was all impressed and awed by Buckingham. until i got to turkey and Topkapi. It made Buckingham Palace look like a shack!!! Topkapi was amazing. But then again, I have to agree with london 2434 that there is just SO much to see!

posted by L-Girl on August 19th 2008 at 8:54am
view L-Girl's profile

I too loved the tiles at Topkapi, however I truly fell in love with the smoth pebble mosaics on the floor.

Here is an example

But then again, I am a geologist and love ALL kinds of rocks!

posted by rvrlvr on August 19th 2008 at 9:25am
view rvrlvr's profile

I agree these tiles are beautiful but wait until you see the Blue Mosque which is in the same area as Topkapi Palace & Hagia Sophia. The Mosque is famous with its blue Iznik tiles and they are simply beautiful.

You gotta see it to believe it.

A turkish girl in New York.

posted by New York Muhtari on August 19th 2008 at 12:03pm
view New York Muhtari's profile

I too went to Topkapi Palace and loved the tile work there.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/munksynz/481075571/in/set-72157600159168194/

I have been to Portugal and they have some amazing tiles there also.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/munksynz/159237251/in/set-72157594153956742/

posted by Erin Faulkner on August 19th 2008 at 2:13pm
view Erin Faulkner's profile

I don't know how to break the news but the royal square in Esfahan, Iran makes Istanbul look like the burbs...

posted by Taureg on August 19th 2008 at 2:13pm
view Taureg's profile