Applications of legends of Kütahya province on tile surfaces and forms

APPLICATIONS OF LEGENDS OF KUTAHYA PROVINCE ON TILE SURFACES AND FORMS MASTER'S THESIS HÜLYA YILDIRIM BOLU ABANT IZZET BAYSAL UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF TRADITIONAL TURKISH ART (SUPERVISOR: DR. LECTURER KOZA KURT KIRTAY ) BOLU, MAY 2025 XIV + 93 Pages Anatolia harbors a wealth of oral and visual cultural heritage, having been the cradle of numerous civilizations throughout history. These civilizations have left their mark on history by transmitting their cultural heritage to future generations. For thousands of years, art has been the language through which this culture has been conveyed from one generation to the next. Oral expressions have shaped folk literature, while visual expressions have given rise to arts such as tile and ceramic art. In this context, the legends, tile figures, and motifs of Kutahya'a city with a deep-rooted traditional cultural heritage in the heart of Anatolia have been selected as the subject of study. Kutahya has preserved and developed its unique tile patterns and forms over time, securing a distinctive place within Turkish traditional arts. As a result of research into Turkish folk literature, five legends from Kutahya were chosen and a separate composition was designed for each. Tile and ceramic patterns and forms from Kutahya, particularly those from the 18th and 19th centuries, were studied as the expressive medium. The data obtained were blended with contemporary tile aesthetics and artistic understanding to create new designs. Kutahya tiles and ceramics were chosen for their cultural significance, functional qualities, and distinctive styles and techniques that meet the needs of the local people. The aim of this study is to serve both as a documentary resource and to contribute to cultural transmission through its visual qualities. KEYWORDS: Culture, Kutahya, Tile, Ceramics, Legend