The signature work of the tile master archaeologist became "Kubbe-i Hadra"

Güler, who applies the high-silica, glazed tile technique from the Great Seljuk period, also known as the Iznik method, took part in the most comprehensive restoration in the history of the green dome of the Mevlana Museum, one of the most visited museums in Türkiye, which was completed two years ago and lasted 3 years and 3 months.

Güler made each of the 8,500 tiles used in the restoration of the Dome of the Rock, consisting of a 16-segmented cone and turquoise tiles, one by one, by hand in two years.

Kemal Güler said that he started focusing on tile making when he was a university student and was influenced by a master he met who said, "You can't do it."

Drawing attention to the fact that it takes many years to master and that there are only 6-7 masters in Türkiye who can apply the Great Seljuk technique, Güler said, "It is not a technique that can be mastered in a short time. It is known as the most difficult technique among ceramicists in the world. In foreign sources, this technique is evaluated as 'difficult to achieve, impossible to do'. I do not have a master. I did not train with someone, but all the masters in history are my masters. I came here by examining what they did, their notes, getting ideas, and getting inspiration."

Emphasizing that producing the tiles of the Dome of Hadra was a unique pleasure and pride, Güler spoke as follows:

"Among the workshops that applied for this restoration, our samples came first by far in the tests. The authorized institutions gave us the task. This was also a blessed task. We did not look at this restoration process as just a job. The production process gave a separate pleasure. It had a spiritual aspect. We experienced completely different feelings after it was finished. I go and look at it from time to time and say to myself, 'Did I do this? I probably did it. Yes, I did it.'"

Güler, who explained that he added a piece of his soul to the tiles he produced, stated that a different bond was formed between him and each tile.

Tile master Kemal Güler's biggest supporter and only apprentice is his 57-year-old wife Neval Güler.

Neval Güler said that they had a very emotional and exciting time during the restoration process.

Noting that her husband is a picky eater, very meticulous worker and difficult to please person, Güler said, "He always looks for the better, the more beautiful. Sometimes he doesn't like what he does. It's a great feeling to be his apprentice. I'm proud of the works he has done. The tiles of the green dome were very important to us. We went and looked at them every day even after they were finished."