Historical buildings in Türkiye entrusted to female artisans

Türkiye is entrusting the meticulous restoration of ornamental works in historical buildings, especially mosques, to a special group of female artisans known as "Kalemkar." These skilled craftswomen play a vital role in preserving traditional Turkish arts and passing them down to future generations.

Eylem Olgun and Merve Unsal are two such kalemkar who dedicate their talents at the Antalya Olgunlasma Institute, an advanced technical school for girls. They have been restoring the city's many historical structures including mosques. 

The art of kalemkari, which which in this context refers to intricate engravings, is a cherished tradition in Turkish art. It has been practiced since the era of the Uighur Turks, who adorned religious and civil structures with intricate designs on domes, ceilings, and walls.

This ancient Turkish art, which was introduced to Anatolia with Turkish migrations, is frequently encountered in Seljuk, Ottoman, and Republican-period architectural works.

The kalemkars, who worked for four years on the restoration of the Tekeli Mehmet Pasha Mosque, built in the 1600s in Antalya Kaleici, want to teach their art to new generations.

Olgun and Unsal are currently repairing and renovating historical buildings, using the kalemkari adapted from Antalya's architectural works in the corridors of their Institute.

Olgun expressed her passion for her craft, which stems from her lifelong interest in traditional Turkish arts.  She not only creates kalemkar works but also applies her artistic talents to historical sites, including the St. Mahmut Hudayi Tomb in Istanbul and Yildiz Palace. Her work extends beyond Istanbul, as she also takes on projects in Antalya.

Source: Newsroom