Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges

STORY: Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges DATELINE: March 16, 2023 LENGTH: 00:04:42 LOCATION: Ankara CATEGORY: CULTURE SHOTLIST: 1. various of Cafer Keles working 2. various of copper products 2. SOUNDBITE (Turkish): CAFER KELES, Coppersmith Master in Ankara STORYLINE: Copper craftsmanship used to be well established in Türkiye's Anatolian history. Today, however, Turkish coppersmiths are striving to keep the tradition alive as its existence is threatened by modernization. In capital city Ankara's suburban Golbasi district, at the shore of the Mogan lake, lies a shop specialized in copperware owned by Cafer Keles and his son Celal. Copperware sold there includes small Turkish coffee pots, cauldrons, and decorative objects made over several months. Some large handicraft pieces can cost an interested customer several thousand U.S. dollars. The 55-year-old Cafer learned his skill from masters more than 40 years ago in Samanpazari, Ankara's old town,

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

(230316) -- ANKARA, March 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A coppersmith presents products in Samanpazari of Ankara, Türkiye, March 13, 2023. Copper craftsmanship used to be well established in Türkiye's Anatolian history. Today, however, Turkish coppersmiths are striving to keep the tradition alive as its existence is threatened by modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges" (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

(230316) -- ANKARA, March 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- Copper products are displayed in Samanpazari of Ankara, Türkiye, March 13, 2023. Copper craftsmanship used to be well established in Türkiye's Anatolian history. Today, however, Turkish coppersmiths are striving to keep the tradition alive as its existence is threatened by modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges" (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

(230316) -- ANKARA, March 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A coppersmith processes products for customers in Samanpazari of Ankara, Türkiye, March 13, 2023. Copper craftsmanship used to be well established in Türkiye's Anatolian history. Today, however, Turkish coppersmiths are striving to keep the tradition alive as its existence is threatened by modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges" (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

TÜRKIYE-ANKARA-CULTURE-COPPERSMITHS

(230316) -- ANKARA, March 16, 2023 (Xinhua) -- A coppersmith processes products for customers in Samanpazari of Ankara, Türkiye, March 13, 2023. Copper craftsmanship used to be well established in Türkiye's Anatolian history. Today, however, Turkish coppersmiths are striving to keep the tradition alive as its existence is threatened by modernization. TO GO WITH "Feature: Turkish coppersmiths strive to keep traditional crafts vibrant amid modernization challenges" (Photo by Mustafa Kaya/Xinhua)