Kütahya Joins the European Route of Ceramics, Enhancing International Cultural Tourism

KÜTAHYA– June, 2024 — Kütahya has officially become a member of the European Route of Ceramics, a Cultural Route certified by the Council of Europe, marking a major step in positioning the city’s ceramic heritage on the European cultural tourism map. The city’s membership was formally approved following a municipal council decision on 6 March 2024, and publicly welcomed through the European Route of Ceramics’ official communication channels.

The European Route of Ceramics is a cultural and tourism network that promotes the richceramic production traditions of cities across Europe, encouraging sustainable tourism, creative exchange, and intercultural dialogue. It has been certified as a Cultural Route by the Council of Europe since 2012 and includes historic ceramic centres such as Limoges, Faenza, Delft, and Selb among its members.

Third Turkish City to Join the Route

With its admittance, Kütahya became the third Turkish city to join this prestigious network, following İznik and Avanos— both celebrated for their own long traditions of pottery and tile art. The application, prepared by the Kütahya Municipality Etüd and Project Directorate, was evaluated based on the city’s longstanding craftsmanship heritage, active ceramic art ecosystems, and sustainable cultural tourism potential.

What This Means for Kütahya

As a member of the European Route of Ceramics, Kütahya is now actively participating in cultural and tourism promotion across Europe through the Route’s official platforms, contributing to and attending annual General Assemblies and strategic networking events, building partnerships with other ceramic heritage cities, including Faenza and Manises, and showcasing its craft events, exhibitions, and educational programs to broader international audiences drawn to heritage tourism and creative industries.

Local officials have expressed that the membership not only reinforces Kütahya’s millennia-old legacy in ceramic arts but also supports the city’s ongoing efforts to boost cultural tourism, sustainable economic development, and cross-border cultural cooperation.