Avanos town (ancient name Venessa) of Cappadocia, is well-known for its pottery and the longest river of Turkey; the Kizilirmak (Red River) which separates the town from the rest of Kapadokya.
The well-known ceramics art produced in some three hundred small workshops.
More about the craft: The Timeless Art of Cappadocia Pottery.
The most famous historical feature in the area, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the region. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless factories date right back to the Hittites and the clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used. It is a popular destination because of its attractive old village with cobbled streets and views over the river.
While this art used to be more popular in time even for locals buying their daily utensils for cooking, storage or similar purposes; the number of workplaces for this historical goods dropped down recognizably from hundreds to a few dozens.
One of the most exciting workshops around this place is the old store of Chez Galip who had been in Guinness Records for two times by turning his shop into a hair museum and then making the biggest pot in the world. Today, it is open to visitors to see the hair museum with over 15,000 people left them in a small plastic bag with their names and addresses. Galip, randomly, picks one of those randomly and sends them a present from his pottery shop.
Finally, Avanos is a great place with beautiful villages surrounding it to enjoy exploring and even a short walk just along the river might be a fun activity.
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