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Historically, Turkish or Ottoman Art depicts pure balance of line,
color and rhythm in geometric designs and patterns. Islamic
restrictions against portraying the human form and representations
of a profane world make this quite different from Western Art.
Calligraphy is the most important of the Ottoman arts. Because of
the bureaucratic nature of this empire, even such mundane items as
deeds, edicts and tax notices are considered to be works of art.
Many such examples of this calligraphy and of the beautiful marbled
paper, or ebru, on which these documents were written are preserved
and displayed at various museums today.
Since the 1700's, Turks have carved beautiful pipes and other
ornaments from Meerschaum. Because the mineral, Meerschaum, is found
only in Turkey, items made from it are exported to countries around
the world.
Silk-making and elaborate embroidery are also important expressions
of Turkish and Ottoman arts. Religious hangings, Koran covers and
prayer rugs were often embroidered with silver or gold and lovely
delicately-colored threads, the most magnificent designs used for
ceremonial purposes.
Present day Turkish artists use a wide variety of techniques and a
wider range of subject matter in the expression of their art. No
longer as restricted by religion and custom, these modern, more
"westernized" artists are exhibiting their works at numerous art
galleries and exhibits throughout the country.
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