Ceramics as Markers of Cultural Osmosis and of Cultural Memory in Christian Orthodox Churches During the Ottoman Period

An increased interest in the study of Byzantine and Medieval pottery characterizes the last decades with numerous related publications produced. In contrast, studies on pottery found in areas around the Aegean during the Ottoman period remain scarce. They mainly focus on the publication of a selection of the respective archaeological material, giving emphasis to specific categories, mainly tableware and tobacco pipes. Since this is so, attempts at more in-depth analysis of the role of the various ceramics as markers of cultural transfers and of cultural memory have been so far mainly neglected. Germane publications mainly focus on the information these objects can provide on the trade contacts of the various areas, with only rare examples dealing with their position in a social context. Within this general framework, a particular category of ceramics, that of bacini – open glazed vessels immured on the exterior of churches – offers a very illustrative example of how pottery can provide insights as to cultural transfers or, better as cultural osmosis. This earlier practice found in Byzantine or Latin-dominated areas witnessed a revival under the Ottoman Empire period. They also illustrate how simple enough clay objects may act as markers for cultural memory during the same period. The paper is based on various examples of Christian Orthodox churches bearing on their façades immured glazed ceramics and located in mainland or insular Greece.