Turkish glass culture and its relationship with contemporary glass and education

The aim of this study is to discuss the connection and interaction between traditional Turkish glassmaking and contemporary glass art and education. Contemporary glass art education derived from the American Studio Glass Art Movement which began in the 1960's, taking form in a university environment and going on to develop in institutions of higher education. It spread quickly throughout America and abroad. There are a number of points which should be considered, for instance, Turkish art schools have not been affected by the spread of this rapid and influential movement; there was a twenty year gap before its influence was finally seen in Turkey. On closer examination the prevailing factors seem to be cultural and economic. Neither of these factors individually provide the answer, however collectively they form a far clearer picture. At the same time, it is necessary to find where the educational direction of Turkish glass art lies in relation to historical, cultural, economical, political and aesthetic concepts. It is important to analyse these concepts in order to reveal the connections between them.