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Topkapi Aparador by Yilmaz Dogan

Topkapi Aparador by Yilmaz Dogan is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award in Altzari Diseinua Competition Category.


ZilarAltzariak· 2025

Topkapi Aparador

by Yilmaz Dogan

Client: QZENS Furniture

Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award Winner in Altzariak Category

Colors

The Design

About Topkapi Aparador

Topkapi zurgintza tradizionala eta teknologia modernoa uztartzen dituen aparador bat da. Bere diseinuak arte turkiar-islamiarrean eta Anatoliako ondarearen erroko motibo geometrikoak ditu, Topkapi Jauregitik eta Meskita Urdinetik inspiratuta. Laka kalitate handikoz, egur naturalez, letoi xehetasunez eta patinaz broizatutako kobrez landua, piezak CNC zehaztasuna eta eskuzko artisautza integratzen ditu tradizio historikoa ekoizpen metodo garaikideekin lotzeko.

The Recognition

About the Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award

Topkapi Aparador Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazlea da, goi-mailako, zoragarriak eta liluragarriak diren diseinuei ematen zaien ezohiko aitorpen prestijiotsua. Zilar-mailako irabazleak lan oso distiratsuak eta sormen biziko lanak dira, beren diseinatzaileen aditutasun, talentu eta zorroztasun nabarmenak erakusten dituztenak. Topkapi Aparador erakusleiho-lan zoragarria, nabarmenki profesionala eta sakonki berritzailea izatea espero da. Zilarrezko Saria A' Design Award irabazi duen diseinu hau asmakizun oso nabarmena eta miretsia da, onura ekartzen duena eta artearen, zientziaren, diseinuaren eta teknologiaren mugak zabaltzen dituena. Topkapi Aparador jende askok inbidia duen sorkuntza da, desirak pizten dituena, sentimendu positiboak ekartzen dituena eta harridura eta txunditzea pizten dituena.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Topkapi is a sideboard design that combines traditional woodworking techniques, which feature motifs inspired by geometric patterns dating back thousands of years and holding significant importance in Turkish Islamic art, with modern technology, resulting in finely crafted cover surfaces.
The motifs, carrying the rich heritage of Anatolian architecture and Turkish Islamic art, add a mystical and unique touch of the East to your living space.
Dimensions & Packaging
Width: 221 cm, Height: 80 cm, Depth: 50 cm.
Tags
Focal, Bookcase, Neoclassic, Art Deco, Asymmetry, Wood, Brass, Modern, Elegant, Architecture
Production Technology
The body of Topkapi is crafted from high-quality lacquer and natural wood surfaces, shaped with Cnc technology. Geometric patterns on the doors are created through precision cutting and handcraftsmanship, adding depth and rich texture. The interior features a lacquer finish, with red tones enhancing the luxurious, mystical Eastern ambiance. Tapered legs have brass detailing, while the perforated top panel, made of patina-brushed copper, is meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans.
Design Challenge
The greatest challenge of this design was to seamlessly blend traditional woodworking craftsmanship with modern production techniques. The three-dimensional sense of depth on the doors was successfully achieved through the combination of Cnc machining and handcraftsmanship. The brass details used in the leg structure, inspired by the foot designs of Ottoman palace furniture, bring together the past and the future through its design language.
Research
Topkapi is the result of an in-depth research process that explores the intricate geometric patterns and woodworking traditions of Islamic architecture. The "Mukarnas" and "Zencerek" patterns, commonly used in Ottoman and Seljuk architecture, have been elaborated in the design and reinterpreted through Cnc machining technology.
Inspiration
The decorative style of geometric ornamentation, based on different geographies and cultures, particularly advanced with the development of geometry knowledge in Egypt and Sumer. The geometric pattern and ornamentation style reached its peak in Islamic civilizations, symbolizing the infinite nature of the universe. Named after Topkapi Palace, where these patterns were used on walls, it draws inspiration from the six-minaret Blue Mosque for the design of its six blue front legs with brass tips.
Project Duration
The design process of the Topkapi sideboard began in June 2022 in the garden of Topkapi Palace on Istanbul's historic peninsula, marking the beginning of a creative journey. After an extensive development phase, it was completed and produced in Ankara in February 2023.
Operation Flow
Topkapi creates an emotional connection by taking the user on a historical and cultural journey.
The Cnc machined door surfaces provide a tactile sense of depth. The door mechanism features a soft-opening system for smooth operation. With a spacious four-door storage area, it offers a perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics. The interior shelf system is optimized for items of varying heights. A centrally located wide drawer provides ideal storage for small and valuable items.
Image Credits
A. Murat ARIK
Erinç ULUSOY
Giray AYDOS

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