Süleymaniye Work, One of Our Cultural Heritage Revived in KARINCA Workshop within Fatih Municipality

Süleymaniye Work, the precious piece of the art of decoration, is reproduced in limited numbers by the KARINCA Workshop within Fatih Municipality in order to keep our traditional handicrafts alive. Combining history and art, these rare pieces bring the elegance of the past to the present.

Produced in the 18th century in the workshops in Süleymaniye and named after this region, Süleymaniye Work is one of the rare examples of Ottoman decorative art. This art, which was made on gold, silver and electroplated copper by taking Viennese enamelling as an example, was used by the masters of the period on various objects such as plates, gum holders, metal cup holders and snuffboxes. The Süleymaniye Work, which attracted attention with its floral ornaments and vivid colours until the end of the 19th century, fell into oblivion over time. However, as a result of long research and meticulous work, the KARINCA Workshop within Fatih Municipality managed to revive this traditional handicraft. The limited edition works produced by enamel artist Berna Turancı and Kalemkâr Hakan Uğur carry the splendour of Süleymaniye Work to the present day. The top of the capped copper plate, the first application of which was made in the KARINCA Workshop, was designed in the form of a cone using 24 carat gold on brass with sand casting technique in accordance with the original. The enamel powder applied by hand on the copper plate has gained the appearance of glass by firing at 900 degrees.

These special artefacts, which are part of Fatih Municipality's efforts to preserve cultural heritage, will not only revive the legacy of the Süleymaniye Work, but will also be a source of inspiration for future generations. These works once again reveal the importance of preserving our cultural heritage by keeping the Ottoman's elegant decoration art alive.