Syria and Turkey
Dr. Fortnum was of opinion that what is generally known as Damascus ware was probably made not only in that city but at Constantinople, Broussa, and all the principal sites of manufacturing industry throughout Syria and Asia Minor. It is distinguished by the great brilliancy of its enamel colours, the principal of which are a deep lapis-lazuli blue, turquoise, a vivid emerald green, a brilliant red purple, orange or buff, olive green and black. The pieces consist principally of circular dishes, jugs with long cylindrical necks and globular bodies, flasks, &c., and the best specimens were probably produced during the first half of the 16th century.
Remains of potteries are stated to have been found at Lindus on the Island of Rhodes, and at one period all the ware of Asia Minor was attributed to those works and was called Rhodian. The pottery actually manufactured there appears, however, to have been of a somewhat coarser character than that made at Damascus and elsewhere. Richly painted tiles with diapering and conventional floral patterns under a vitreous glaze were used largely for the decoration of palaces, mosques, and tombs throughout Asia Minor and Syria; these tiles are also to be found at Constantinople.
Footnotes
1 As Strassburg and Hagenau belonged to France at this period, they are included in the French section.
2 Now Niederweiler, in Germany.
3 Now Saargemünd, belonging to Germany.