Instrument Making Workshop in Bornova Attracts Great Interest

Bornova Municipality hosted yet another creative event celebrating local craftsmanship and cultural heritage. As part of the Hobby and Skill Development Courses run by the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Instrument Making Workshop, launched in 2024, quickly became a popular hub of artisanal activity. To sustain this interest and introduce the workshop to a broader audience, a special two-day workshop was held on May 21–22, 2025, at the Winter Garden of Dramalılar Mansion.

Inspiring Stories from the Masters

On the first day of the event, Prof. Dr. Ali Maruf Alaskan, Director of Ege University’s State Turkish Music Conservatory, shared his personal journey in instrument making. Providing insights into the conservatory’s instrument making program, Alaskan discussed the differences between handcrafted and mass-produced instruments, compared traditional and modern techniques, and emphasized the importance of using locally sourced materials.

Highlighting Bornova’s potential in the field of instrument making, Alaskan stated,

“The preservation and reproduction of our local instruments are crucial for maintaining our cultural continuity.”

How a Hobby Becomes Mastery

On the second day, participants heard from a passionate individual who combined academic life with artisanal craft. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Engin Topuzkanamış, a faculty member at Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Law, recounted how his journey in instrument making, which began as a hobby, evolved into a profession crafting instruments for renowned musicians. During the workshop, attendees also had the opportunity to observe and practice basic instrument-making techniques firsthand.

Handcrafted with Love: Student Bağlama Exhibition

Throughout the workshop, bağlama instruments crafted by students who have been attending the Bornova Municipality Instrument Making Workshop since October 2024 were on display. This exhibition highlighted how the course not only provides technical education but also fosters aesthetic and cultural values.

Mayor Eşki: “We’re Expanding Spaces That Sustain Our Local Culture”

Emphasizing that music is one of the most powerful expressions of culture, Bornova Mayor Ömer Eşki stated:

“Workshops like instrument making, which bring together handcraft and music, play a vital role in sustaining cultural continuity. As Bornova Municipality, we fully support every initiative that preserves and carries our local culture into the future. Hosting such events in historical venues like the Dramalılar Mansion allows us to bridge the past with the present.”