These ceramic hanging ornaments are hand painted in traditional designs in the ancient pottery towns of Iznik and Kutahya, situated in Western Anatolia.

Originally, they were used to improve the acoustics in mosques or, by hanging them above the mosque lamps, to prevent mice climbing down the suspension chains and stealing the oil.

In Turkey they are known simply as eggs as there is no specific Turkish word to describe them.  In the past ostrich eggs brought  back by the pilgrims from Mecca were also used.

HANGING ORNAMENTS