Tile Panels

The Circumcision Room has some of the most lovely tile panels in Topkapı Palace.

These tiles are Iznik tiles. Iznik was a town famous for making fine Ottoman ceramics. The panels date from the 16th century. That was a very rich time for tile art in the Ottoman world.

The tiles on the edges are blue and white. They were made in Istanbul. Their cool colors give a calm frame to the panels.

Some of the tiles are made as one large piece. This was very hard to do. These one-piece tiles were inspired by Far Eastern art. Their flowers, leaves, and flowing shapes show a taste that came from far away.

The panels are special in two ways. They are beautiful as works of art. They are also important for their skill and technique. Even today, they show how talented Ottoman tile makers were.