Mustafa Ozdemir, a 75-year-old resident of Konya’s Guneysinir district, has shifted his artisanal focus from shoemaking and motorcycle repair to the creation of musical instruments. This new craft was self-taught during his retirement years. For the past twenty-five years, Ozdemir has been shaping wood in a workshop situated within his home garden.
He now produces a variety of instruments, including baglams, uds, kabak kemanes, and bastun. Through a process of trial and error, Ozdemir developed his skills without formal apprenticeship under a master. His expertise extends beyond mere production; he is also proficient in playing the instruments he crafts.
Each morning, he opens the workshop and selects the day’s project based on the type of wood available. Ozdemir noted that the selection of the material dictates the instrument he will work on. He explained that the inherent qualities of the wood guide his creative process.
His dedication to mastering this craft allowed him to successfully transition his skills into a respected area of traditional Turkish artistry.
Topics: #his #taught #wood
