THE ROLE AND IMPORTANCE OF MEERSCHAUM-TYPE SEPIOLITE IN THE PROMOTION OF TÜRKİYE

Abstract

The main factors in the recognition and promotion of countries, cities and regions can be summarised as economic strength, sports achievements, cultural accumulations, underground resources, and scientific and technological developments. Within the scope of underground resources, meerschaum-type sepiolite continues to be used in the production of ornaments, jewellery and souvenirs, and the display of items made of this type of sepiolite in showcases and museums in areas where other types of sepiolite cannot be used continues to ensure the recognition of the countries and cities where it is produced and processed. The meerschaum-type sepiolite is a magnesium-based clay mineral that has played an important role in the recognition and promotion of our country in the world for centuries. The role and importance it plays in the recognition and promotion of Türkiye is considered to be the work of its attributive properties based on its formation mechanism. Many of these unique features have enabled it to find more and more usage areas, turn into a work of art, and be recognised. This first recognised type of Turk sepiolite is described as an ambassador of culture and peace, as it has served as a bridge between our country and some countries for centuries. The quality of the Turk meerschaum-type sepiolite based on its superior properties, the fact that it has maintained this quality throughout the reserve for a long time, and the very important works created by valuable craftsmen and artisans are another point that plays an important role in the recognition of our country. In addition to training meerschaum masters and artisans when processed, it also creates significant added value. The export of raw meerschaum was banned in 1972 due to its importance in recognising and promoting our country by creating significant added value as well as training meerschaum masters and artisans. Meerschaum-type sepiolite has given birth to both an important business line and a branch of art in Eskişehir. Meerschaum processing workshops, which are intensively visited by local and foreign tourists coming to Eskişehir, and the Meerschaum Museum in Odunpazarı district will accelerate the better explanation and promotion of this important clay and the abandonment of the name “Vienna Stone”.