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The intricate stone ornaments adorning the doorways of historic homes in Koramaz Valley, a site on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, have been meticulously documented and replicated by the Kayseri Olgunlasma Institute (advanced technical school for girls).
As part of the "Koramaz Valley Stone Ornamentation Project," researchers examined the door engravings of homes in this culturally rich valley, where diverse ethnic communities once coexisted. These embellishments often feature inscriptions indicating the construction date of the buildings, along with wishes, prayers, and wise sayings carved into stone reliefs.
With many of these historical homes facing deterioration, the institute’s plastic arts workshop crafted nine clay replicas of these stone plaques to ensure their preservation.
Neslihan Burcak Yildiz, a plastic arts teacher at the Olgunlasma Institute, highlighted the significance of the engravings, which often include the phrase "Masallah," a traditional expression of blessing and protection.
“These ornaments were originally made from stone, a durable material,” Yildiz explained. “For our replicas, we used clay and wood to enhance the aesthetic appeal. Each plaque reflects the social and cultural identity of the homeowner. We selected different types of clay for each design—some were made with chamotte clay, others with red or gray clay. The choice of material was determined by the nature of the original ornament.”
Yildiz emphasized the importance of preserving these elements as part of Türkiye’s cultural heritage. “Koramaz Valley’s door ornaments are not just decorative; they hold historical and personal significance. By transforming them into artistic products, we are ensuring their survival for future generations.”
In addition to the Koramaz Valley project, Yildiz and her team have designed a collection of door knockers inspired by animal figures. Recognizing the historical significance of door knockers in Ottoman and Turkish culture, they sought to reinterpret this tradition with modern aesthetics.
“We wanted to go beyond traditional designs and experimented with relief techniques to create unique forms,” Yildiz noted. The result is a series of 15 door knockers featuring stylized representations of lions, rams, owls, deer, fish, elephants, and other animals.
By merging past and present, the Olgunlasma Institute continues to honor Türkiye’s rich architectural heritage, ensuring that the artistic traditions of Koramaz Valley and beyond remain vibrant and relevant in contemporary design.
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