The art of Qishani is considered one of the most prominent decorative arts in Syrian heritage. It flourished especially in the Raqqa Governorate from the early 16th century and developed over time to reach a high level of creativity and craftsmanship.
The rise of Qishani in Syria dates back to the Mamluk and Ottoman periods, and it was widely used in the Umayyad mosques in Damascus and in some old houses.
Qishani Styles:
Qishani consists of ceramic tiles covered with a thin white layer, topped with a glossy transparent white coating, beneath which there are delicate designs outlined in black.
Its colors are usually bright green, blue, or dark red, and often a tomato-red color is added.
Qishani tiles are usually square, but they can also be rectangular, hexagonal, or triangular. Each tile carries repeated decorative motifs or separated elements that together form a large, harmonious decorative design.
Today, the art of Qishani continues to hold an important place in Syrian heritage, with artisans in Raqqa and other cities preserving this traditional craft.
