A Conversation with Ayşe and Hatice, Creators of Bozayı Fırtına, About Ceramics and Tea

What is famous about the Black Sea? Its tea, hazelnuts, and the hardworking, ambitious women. The hard work of Black Sea women is often defined through tea and hazelnut farming. While that’s true, it doesn’t tell the full story. The story of Ayşe and Hatice is a great example. These two sisters, who returned to their grandfather’s hometown years ago, opened a ceramics workshop right across from the village café in Çamlıhemşin and declared war on windmills. They are one of the most beautiful examples of reverse migration to Anatolia. A world-class ceramics art venture, Bozayı. And in Çamlıhemşin no less.

Lazika enthusiasts already know Bozayı and its magnificent ceramics. The coffee cups we use at Café Lazika Maslak are their designs. In Lazika’s social media photos, you can see Hatice’s skilled hands holding thin-waisted cups or Lazika tea bags. If you’ve seen a magnificent Hemşin house as a venue, there’s a high chance it’s their house in Mollaveis village. We’ve talked a lot, now it’s time for Ayşe and Hatice, the creators of these beautiful works, to speak.

Can you tell us about yourselves and the Bozayı process?

Ayşe Ergüner: I graduated from the ceramics department of Gazi University and worked for many years in my own studio, continuing my artistic projects. Later, I started working with Hatice, and the idea of returning to Fırtına Valley, which had always been our dream, emerged. We liked the idea of producing and selling things in our own free space, so we laid the foundations of Bozayı.

Hatice Ergüner: I worked in finance in the private sector and wasn’t happy with my job, so I resigned. During this period, Ayşe and I always dreamed of opening a workshop in our village. We worked hard and pursued the things we dreamed of, and now Bozayı is where it is today.

Ayşe Ergüner, as a ceramic artist, your sculptures are very impressive and unique. What inspires you to create such unique works?

Not only in my sculptures but in all my work, I am inspired by nature. All the dynamic forms and figures I create are imitations of nature. Along with that, I also explore the helplessness of wild animals and their imaginary rebellions in my sculptures.

There are many admirers of the cups you created for Lazika, and they sold out in no time in the section we put them up for sale. When Bozayı produces ceramic products for tea and coffee, what are the most important points to consider? How should the design of a vessel for hot beverages be?

If we’re not enjoying the product while making and using it ourselves, we don’t put it for sale—that’s the key point. The grip and ergonomics are important too. When drinking hot beverages, the cup is usually held with both hands, and it helps warm up the drink. We keep this in mind while making our cups.

Are you tea producers? What does the tea landscape look like in your region, and what is it like to live in the homeland of tea from your perspective, Ayşe and Hatice?

We’ve never had large tea gardens. When we were little, our grandfather had a small tea garden where he carefully picked each leaf, and it’s still there, holding nostalgic meaning for us. Here, time flows according to tea. The first picking season, cleaning the gardens, the rush of harvest times… Everything here is planned according to tea.

Where do you enjoy drinking tea the most?

First on the list is the veranda of our house, sipping tea while looking at the beautiful view of the valley. There’s also the balcony of our shop, which is very enjoyable for drinking tea.

Which teas do you enjoy drinking the most?

Hatice Ergüner: My favorite is black tea with bergamot flavor.