Yememe Turkmeni, a resident of Syria’s Aleppo province, is dedicated to preserving the traditional art of leather burning, a craft currently facing the threat of extinction. This specialized technique requires considerable skill and involves applying heated metal tools directly to the surface of natural leather. Artisans must exhibit precise control over temperature and pressure to achieve intricate details and nuanced tonal variations in the finished piece.
While the practice was once a recognizable activity within the region, the number of practitioners today is significantly diminished. Speaking about the history of the art in Anatolia, Turkmeni noted his own involvement with the craft spanning 26 years. He observed that although the technique is ancient, it had nearly faded from prominence in Aleppo, pointing out that many individuals once practiced it.
The meticulous nature of leather burning makes it a demanding discipline. The process relies on the artisan’s ability to manipulate heat to transform the material without damaging its inherent quality. Turkmeni’s efforts are focused on ensuring that this unique form of Syrian craftsmanship continues to be recognized and practiced, safeguarding a valuable cultural heritage embodied in the treated leather.
Topics: #art #burning #leather
