IZNIK, Türkiye, May 13 (Xinhua) -- A growing partnership between Türkiye's historic ceramics hub Iznik and China's Jingdezhen, often dubbed the "Porcelain Capital," is aiming to breathe new life into centuries-old artisanal traditions by fusing cultural heritage with modern collaboration, a local official said.

Iznik, renowned for its vibrant quartz-frit tiles that flourished during the Ottoman Empire from the late 15th to the 17th century, and Jingdezhen, with a porcelain-making legacy spanning about 1,700 years, became sister cities in 2021. Since then, the partnership has matured into a wider cooperation built on shared craftsmanship and cultural exchange.

The bond between Iznik and Jingdezhen has improved due to increased exchanges of official delegations, said Ahmet Kaya, deputy mayor of Iznik, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

"Our most important joint project right now is the ceramic and porcelain production facility that will be established in Iznik," Kaya added.

"This isn't just about production," he added. "It's about cultural synergy -- bringing Turkish and Chinese artisans together, side by side. We see great value in blending traditions and craftsmanship."

Once operational, the facility is expected to serve as both a cultural landmark and an economic catalyst -- strengthening Iznik's identity while reinforcing ties with one of the world's most influential porcelain centers, Kaya noted.

The collaboration also includes commercial and educational elements. Kaya said the two cities have worked together to open a retail outlet in Istanbul, showcasing both Iznik tiles and Jingdezhen porcelain. "It's a small but important first step in joint marketing efforts," he said.

Artisan exchanges are also a central part of the initiative. Several Turkish ceramicists, including Adil Can Guven -- a master recognized as a "Living Human Treasure" by Türkiye's Ministry of Culture and Tourism -- have visited Jingdezhen to study its intricate production methods. Guven operates a family workshop in Iznik and aspires to teach a younger generation of artisans in the city.

Iznik's trademark tilework, known for its deep blue, turquoise, green, and red motifs -- often floral, with tulips and carnations -- once adorned imperial palaces and mosques but suffered a decline in later centuries. Efforts to revive the art form have gained momentum in recent years.

"We're eager to send more of our young artisans and masters to Jingdezhen, and to learn firsthand from their techniques and processes," Kaya said.

Kaya himself traveled to Jingdezhen in 2024 to attend an international ceramic exposition. "Artists and enthusiasts from all over the world were there. It was incredibly exciting for me," he said. "It inspired us to start planning an Iznik tiles and ceramics symposium. It may not be on the same scale initially, but we have started."

Preparations for the symposium are already under way. Iznik officials are working with universities and academics from Türkiye, China, and other countries who specialize in ceramic heritage to ensure the event has a strong impact, the official added.■