Copper items produced using traditional methods in Gaziantep, which holds the geographical patent for copper craftsmanship, are attracting great interest in both the Turkish and global markets.
Faced with the decline in the use of copper items, copper craftsmen in the city have successfully created a new source of income by shifting to the production of gift copper items rather than withdrawing from the sector. With advancing technology, these craftsmen have revitalized the nearly forgotten craft of copperwork through new models and designs. The veteran copper craftsmen produce pots, cauldrons, coffee sets, ornate barbecue grills, pitchers, trays, and other products, adorning them with various motifs and exporting them not only across Turkey but also to many European countries, particularly neighboring regions.
In past years, copper craftsmen in the city focused solely on producing kitchenware from copper. However, in recent years, they have increased interest in copper by introducing different models. The previously fading art of copper craftsmanship, due to declining demand and interest in the profession in Gaziantep, has recently started to regain popularity with new products made by copper craftsmen.
Celal Açık, President of the Gaziantep Coppersmiths and Inlayers Association, stated that the craft of coppersmithing has regained its former vibrancy due to the growing interest in kitchen and gift copper items. He mentioned that copper items have started to re-enter kitchens in recent years and that they have begun exporting gift copper items from Gaziantep to every corner of the world, especially European countries.
"Domestic and foreign tourists are interested in copper"
Açık noted that the copper items produced in Gaziantep are receiving significant attention. "Gaziantep's copper craftsmanship and copperwork appeal to both domestic and foreign tourists. Our task is to create new models. We work according to our customers' requests," he said.
"We've returned to copper in kitchens"
Açık highlighted that they shed light on history with copper craftsmanship, stating, "Don't think that we only see copper in Gaziantep; we are reviving our history and culture. We engrave Ottoman and Seljuk motifs onto the copper. We've returned to copper in kitchens. Both domestic and foreign tourists show great interest in copper," he said.
Açık pointed out that copper items attract interest in European countries, saying, "Most of the products we produce in Gaziantep are exported. We send our products to European countries and all over the world. We sell our products to 90% of foreign countries. We hold the geographical patent for copper craftsmanship and mother-of-pearl inlay," he said.