KAYSERİ TOMARZA TUFF

Technical And Aesthetic Specifications

Kayseri Tomarza Tuff, a type of ‘Ignimbritic Tuff,’ is a volcanic rock formed from the eruption of the Erciyes volcano within Kayseri province. It exhibits a range of colors, including brown, red, yellow, and gray, with the red (rose) varieties being particularly notable. Known for its lightweight, malleable properties, this belongs to the class of lightweight building materials, and offers significant advantages in thermal insulation. Due to its ease of workability, the stone has been widely used throughout Türkiye. In Istanbul, it is prominently featured in several historical buildings.

Historical Importance and Architectural References

This versatile stone has been used by many civilisation throughout history in a wide range of building types, including the vast underground cities of Cappadochia.

The arched portico of the courtyard of the Sultanahmet Mosque, as well as the exterior wall claddings of the Haseki Madrasa and the Şehzade Mehmed Tomb in the Şehzade Complex, can be given as examples.

Today, the quarries producing Tomarza Tuff are still in operation, supplying this versatile material for various construction and restoration projects.