Take a pottery class with a famous artist in Turkey

WHAT IT'S ABOUT

Galip Körükçü is a world-famous ceramics artist and fifth generation master potter who lives with his family in Avanos in Turkey’s Cappadocia region. For centuries, the town has been prized for its handcrafted vases, pitchers and pots, made using red clay from the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River). 

In this rare Turkey pottery class, you’ll visit Galip Körükçü in his studio as you step inside the time-honored art of Avanos pottery making: a craft that dates back to the time of Anatolia’s mighty Hittite Empire, one of Turkey’s oldest civilizations. The cave setting alone is spectacular, and – having taught students from all over the world since his career began in the 1970s – Galip is a wildly popular teacher and storyteller who’ll draw you into his world.

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WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

First up, you’ll meet with Galip Körükçü himself; the so-called “Einstein of pottery”. An eccentric white-haired gentleman, Galip’s gentle, affable air belies his reputation as one of the greatest potters on Earth. He strongly believes the only skill you need in a pottery class in Turkey is the willingness to learn.

You’ll be shown various pottery class techniques in Turkey; from the unique texture of Avanos red clay to the intricate kiln-firing process. The whole process feels therapeutic, especially when you add in Galip’s fabulous stories along the way – from a long lost tradition of Avanos pottery proposals to his work breaking boundaries for women.

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WHAT OUR COMMUNITY SAYS

Flashpacker and photographer Rachel Sarah was mesmerized by seeing Galip Körükçü at the wheel. “Galip is one of the greatest potters not just in Turkey, but the whole world. It was so cool to watch him at work,” she recalls. “The Turkey pottery class was likeThe Great Pottery Throw Down in real life. Everyone stood by saying, ‘Oooh! Aaah!’ like they were at a fireworks display”.

“Galip told us the background to his story, too,” Rachel adds. “It was fascinating to get a sense of his craftsmanship. Everyone said he looked like Einstein, which was definitely true. He was so talented. Once we’d seen him spin a pot effortlessly, some of our solo travel group were able to have a turn, too.”

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HOW TO BOOK IT

The Turkey pottery class experience, led by legendary Avanos ceramics artist Galip Körükçü, is bookable as part of Flash Pack’s Classical Turkey adventure – a trip that also includes a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia, private sailing in the Aegean and a stroll around Ephesus, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World.

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SPEAK TO OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

Need more advice on our pottery masterclass with Galip Körükçü in the Cappadocia region or any element of Flash Pack’s escape to Turkey? Our seasoned team of travel experts have you covered. Simply book a call to find out more. 

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