Pottery is an ancient art that is considered one of the most important artistic manifestations by historians. Pottery has undergone many changes throughout history, and various techniques have been added to this art form. Archaeologists learn about the social and economic conditions of a period or a region through pottery. By studying pottery, they can interpret life, religion, people, history, and social relationships.
Before popularity of glass, pottery was the most common type of container or dishes used by humans. The most desirable soil in the pottery industry is clay, which is red in color due to its high iron content. Pottery is one of the earliest human industries.
Although its origin is not exactly clear, ancient findings indicate that it is the ancient land of Sumer, and of course, the recent discovery of the Jiroft civilization in Kerman Province of Iran, has created doubt on the earlier theory. Pottery is perhaps one of the oldest human creations.
As time passed and life expanded, pottery also evolved. The oldest pottery wheel and kiln in the world were found in the city of Susa in Iran. The oldest painted pottery vessels are also from Iran. The first signs of the kiln in the pottery industry can be seen in 6000 BC, and a simple hand-operated potter's wheel was invented in 3500 BC. The invention of the potter's wheel brought about a major change in the industry.
Pottery is one of the oldest and most valuable crafts in Pakistan. From the Indus Valley Civilization to today's potters, the art of shaping clay and creating beautiful and functional objects has been an integral part of Pakistani culture. Pottery has a special place in Pakistan's history, and different regions of the country specialize in their own styles and techniques. Some of the most famous pottery centers in Pakistan include Hala (Sindh), Multan (Punjab), and Rawalpindi.
In Turkey, the town of Avanos in Cappadocia is the center of pottery in the country. Some of the techniques used in pottery making in this town date back to the Hittite period (2000 BC). For many people in this town, pottery is the main source of livelihood. Avanos is known for its traditional pottery, which has been produced in the city for over 4,000 years.
In Afghanistan, the first signs of the emergence of kilns in the pottery industry can be seen many years before Christ; in fact, around a thousand years before Christ, a simple pottery wheel that was turned by hand was made in the region. But today in Afghanistan, this art has given way to foreign products, and the art of pottery is facing an unprecedented recession, and if it is not taken care of, this art will disappear.
In Tajikistan, researchers believe that the pottery wheel is more than three thousand years old and is considered a kind of living museum. In this country, almost all types of simple pottery known to the peoples of the world are made, and excellent technologies of pottery products have also been preserved. Hand pottery is considered a home occupation, and the pottery was primarily made by women on top of a sturdy column that allowed them to turn the clay by hand.
In Uzbekistan, Rishtan, a city in the Fergana Valley of Uzbekistan, is known for its vibrant and living tradition of pottery and ceramic making. Master craftsmen and students work side by side, preserving techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation, using natural glazes to create unique ceramics and keep an ancient tradition alive.
There has been a pottery production center among the Kazakh people since the 16th century, and colored glazed ceramics have survived from the pottery workshops of that era.
In Azerbaijan, this industry has maintained its importance from ancient times to the present day. In ancient times, women were engaged in pottery, and in the Middle Ages, the potter's wheel was invented, and the people of Azerbaijan used this tool to make pottery. Among the regions in Azerbaijan that are famous for pottery is the city of Ganja. In contemporary archaeological excavations in the Old Fortress of Baku, many pottery vessels were discovered, which date back to the historical periods of the 17th and 18th centuries.
In Kyrgyzstan, the archaeologists in Uzgen district of Osh region have uncovered a towering clay vessel known as a " Hum" standing at an impressive height of 1.75 meters. The Uzgen district situated in proximity to the Kyzyl Oktiabr area which has long been recognized for its historical importance.