<p>Considering the Neolithic Period when art began, pottery and symbolicallyterracotta art in particular, Anatolia, with its geography extending from Front Asia to Europe,the location which lived these periods earlier than their contemporaries, is an important areaof pottery. Pottery, which has been able to continue in many parts of Anatolia withoutdisturbing its archaeological features in terms of production style, is also an importantintangible cultural heritage. Having been going on for thousands of years, this craft,unfortunately lost its existence in many centers within the process of extinction. In such aprocess, one of the pottery centers having the chance to be able to survive in Turkey is Avanos.Avanos, which is the district of Nevşehir province in Central Anatolia, is an importantshowcase of pottery producing both functional and craft / art terracotta for touristic purposeswith the great support provided by its geographical advantages and the efforts of its mastersas well as being an important tourism region.In this article, it is aimed to explain the historical characteristics of Avanos pottery, itscontributions to contemporary art in its journey from traditional to contemporary and itseconomic and cultural achievements, including a critical perspective.</p><p>Keywords: Avanos, pottery, cultural heritage, art, craft, tradition.&nbsp;<br></p>