Traditional Pottery and Cultural Interactivity in Lesvos Island

Abstract

Aegean islands come into question for the Turkish and Greek people in various ways and periods of time both socially, politically and culturally. It is observed that there are so many commonalities and shared values when the culture and the traditions of these two culture is discussed. Traditional handcrafts, which is one of these shared values, are the original values which has been brought today. The societies create bridges between past and present by influencing from other societies and according to their own cultural values while creating their traditions and cultures. The art of pottery is one of the oldest traditional art of the societies and cultures. Pottery from the Lesvos's traditional art, continues to the production by transfering its own traditional production and culture to the next generations. Lesvos pottery art wich interacts with Anatolian culture; continues to produce original products with its decorations that is reflecting the culture and life of the island. In this article; Lesvos culture, life on the island, interaction between the cultures and its reflections to the ceramic art and the conditions of the pottery studios are evaluated and researched.