IN THE WORDS OF ÖMER BAKIR, THE PROFESSION OF BAKIRING IN ŞANLIURFA PROVINCE

Abstract

Copper is one of the mines that mankind has been using for thousands of years. This mine, which gave its name to one of the prehistoric periods, was used as ornaments, jewelry, household goods and kitchen utensils and took a very important place in thousands of years of human adventure. The first examples of works produced by copper mine are exhibited in museums. These works show that human beings had a high aesthetic understanding in the past. Although copper kitchen utensils are mostly replaced by steel and porcelain utensils today, copper production continues with traditional methods.In this study, the craft of coppersmithing has been introduced in general terms and the past, present and works of the profession with master artist Ömer Bakır, who is practicing his ancestral profession today in Şanlıurfa, one of the important centers of traditional copperware production, are discussed. With this study, where the importance of the coppersmithing profession and the necessity of keeping this profession alive are emphasized, the necessity of transferring traditional handicrafts to the future is emphasized. The study was created with face-to-face interview technique and supported by source scanning.