Analyzing the works of Füreya Koral and Mehmet Gürsoy in artistic context

Ceramic art offers both a visual and tactile experience, creating diverse perceptual and emotional effects on its audience. Art is one of the most powerful forms of expression that carries the legacy of the past into the present and guides the future. Although traditional and modern art practices may appear to have diverged over time, they are in fact integral elements of cultural continuity and transformation. In Turkey, ceramic art is a field that draws from the traditional Ottoman tile heritage while also embracing the innovative approaches of contemporary art. For this reason, two prominent figures in Turkish ceramic art—Füreya KORAL and Mehmet GÜRSOY—represent different dimensions of the field through their artistic philosophies and works. Füreya KORAL, as one of the pioneers of modern ceramic art in Turkey, transformed ceramics from a merely traditional craft into a significant component of contemporary art. Her works are notable for reinterpreting traditional motifs through abstract forms and integrating ceramics into architectural spaces. Through her art, Koral created a space for personal expression and expanded the aesthetic and functional boundaries of ceramic art. On the other hand, Mehmet GÜRSOY stands out as a master who preserves the classical techniques and aesthetic principles of Ottoman tile art, meticulously carrying this legacy into the future. Gürsoy not only applies traditional tile-making techniques faithfully, but also contributes to the art by reviving lost colors and patterns, thus ensuring the continuity of traditional art. This study examines the artistic perspectives, technical and aesthetic approaches of Füreya KORAL and Mehmet GÜRSOY, and explores the interaction between traditional and modern art. The materials, motifs, compositional styles, and artistic outlooks in the works of both artists have been analyzed comparatively. The differences and similarities between these artists are evaluated in terms of their contribution to the development of Turkish ceramic art. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my esteemed advisor, Prof. Dr. Nurcan PERDAHCI, for her support and guidance throughout the preparation of this thesis. I also thank all the artists and researchers who have inspired me during my academic journey. I am deeply grateful to my family and friends who motivated me and stood by me at every step of the way. I extend my respects to all artists who continue to preserve and develop traditional art with great dedication. With the awareness that art builds a bridge between the past and the future, I hope this study contributes to ceramic art and to Turkey's cultural heritage. With love and art…