Kütahya honors tile artist Hamza Üstünkaya on death anniversary

A memorial program was held at the Ulu Mosque in Kütahya to commemorate Hamza Üstünkaya, a tile artist recognized by UNESCO as a “Living Human Treasure,” on the first anniversary of his death. Üstünkaya passed away last year at the age of 79.

The ceremony included prayers led by Deputy Provincial Mufti Kemal Bal and was attended by family, students, and local officials, including Kütahya Governor Musa Işın and Mayor Eyüp Kahveci. Üstünkaya’s daughter, Gülseren Öztuğcu Üstünkaya, spoke about the lasting impact of her father’s absence and the importance of preserving his artistic legacy.

Prof. Dr. Süleyman Kızıltoprak, Rector of Dumlupınar University, highlighted Üstünkaya’s contributions to the Kütahya tile school through unique techniques and patterns. He noted that one of the artist’s most significant works was a 120-centimeter tile plate, which surpassed his previous records and is noted as one of the largest tile plates in the world.