Meerschaum in Eskiehir

Abstract

Meerschaum is a mine known as sepiolite. Also it is called as "Rock of Eskisehir" "White Rock" and "White Gold". Beginning from the 18th century meerschaum was one of the most important export goods of Eskisehir and the Ottoman Empire. And Austria was the import country of this mine, for that reason, it was also called as the "Rock of Wien". Export of meerschaum is continued about 300 years and the export of this mine was forbidden by law in 1972. Meerschaum industry in Eskisehir deteirorated at the beginning of 1980's andit is nearly to get lost in these days. Because of the lack of demand there aren't any new meerschaum mines, lack of any new master carvers, lack of any new designs and problems about the bussiness. There must be some attempts for the meerscum industry into the old days, such as training new masters, creating new designs, and this can be done by the art training schools.