The "Ahlat Stonemasonry Tradition" in the UNESCO list continues

The "Ahlat Stonemasonry Tradition", which was included in the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List in Need of Urgent Protection last year, is kept alive with dexterous hands in the Ahlat district of Bitlis.

Ahlat stone, which is obtained from the quarries in the district and preferred in buildings for centuries with its ability to keep it warm in winter and cool in summer, is extracted from the ground with a lot of effort and made ready for use.

Stones, which were cut into blocks using hammer, sledgehammer, crowbar and chisel, and cut according to the measures determined by the workshops, are transformed into works of art in the hands of skilled craftsmen.

Hayrettin Zengin, 48, the father of 5 children, who started stonemasonry in the district 10 years ago, masterfully embroiders Seljuk and Ottoman motifs and various patterns on stones of various sizes.

"Some patterns can take a day"

Becerikli, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that Ahlat stone, which is widely used in the region and sent all over the country and to many countries, is one of the important income sources of the district.

Explaining that some of the patterns they meticulously embroidered on the stones are finished in half an hour, some take a day, Becerikli said, "The processing time changes according to the pattern. We embroider the patterns that suit the stones. We make fountains, barbecues and fireplaces from Ahlat stone, we produce the stones used in the construction of tombs and houses. We embellish and shape the patterns by embroidering on the stone. We give life to the rocks brought from the quarries in blocks here." 

Stating that they adorned the stones with handcraft without using machinery, Becerikli said:

"We sent Ahlat stone for a restored historical building in Germany. We deliver the products we make all over Turkey. 10 years ago, I constantly visited and watched my friends working in this workshop. I started my profession because I was curious. I learned the job with curiosity. I love my profession. I have 5 children and I make a living for my family with this job. I am also very happy that the Tradition of Pear Stone Work has been included in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. I would like to thank those who contributed to this. They made us happy. We are doing our best to keep this tradition alive.”

"The Ahlat Stonemasonry Tradition" was inscribed on the UNESCO list at the 17th session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Intangible Cultural Heritage held on 28 November-3 December 2022 in Rabat, the capital of Morocco.