In the Historic Center of Havana, among
colonial houses, restaurants and cafes, a corner with intense blue wall
tiles stands out. The two murals in this place, which were opened with
an official ceremony attended by the Turkish Ambassador on 10 December
2019, are the donation of the Republic of Turkey to the capital of Cuba,
on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the founding of Havana. The
mural that is highly attractive to the human eye, was carried out by the
Iznik Foundation (İznik Vakfı).
In the project, sponsored
by Iznik Foundation, Karadeniz Holding and Turkish Airlines, two tile
panels of 100 cm x 500 cm were prepared. The design of the panels was
done by Nasuh Hasan Çolpan. In the design, the connection of both cities
with the sea was taken as a common point and the sea is placed into the
center of the panels. The structures that give the city their visual
identity, are lined up around the water. Important buildings of Havana,
such as El Capitolio, Catedral de la Habana, Morro Castle etc. were
highlighted as landmarks on the Havana panel; important buildings of
Istanbul, such as the mosques like Sultanahmet Camii, the Cerrah Mehmed
Pasha Camii etc., Topkapı Palace, the Galata Tower, the Maiden’s Tower,
and the Bosphorus Bridge were highlighted as landmarks on the Istanbul
panel.
The Iznik district is one of the largest production centers of handicraft tiles since the 15th century. This special type of glass is a mixture of quartz at 85 percent and a very special clay, unearthed in that specific region.
The work reflects the beauty of Havana and
Istanbul, two cities bathed by the sea that commune every day with that
intense blue that defines their insularities.
Parque de Azulejo Turco Habanero is located on San Ignacio
Street where it intersects with the Lamparilla Street.
