Searching for the Future of Traditional Professions in the Profession Stories of Craftsmen: The Case of Izmir

Authors : Elif Yücebaş, Sultan Kavili Arap

Pages : 179-200

Doi:10.22559/folklor.2668

View : 58 | Download : 59

Publication Date : 2025-02-01

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The aim of this study is to identify the professions that are urban values of Izmir and are about to be forgotten, to examine and record the changes and transformations that these professions have undergone from the first time they were practiced until they face the danger of being forgotten. One of the important problems of these professions is that they are in danger of being forgotten. Another problem is that the development of these professions and the experiences of their craftsmen are not recorded today. However, these professions have an important place in the history, accumulation and economy of the city. If suitable conditions can be provided for the transfer of these professions to future generations and for their actual practice, this will be an important step. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 48 craftsmen from 28 traditional professions in 10 districts of Izmir, and Maxqda 2020 package program was used to analyze the data obtained. Based on the professional stories of the masters, it is seen that the development and change process of a profession depends on the supply of raw materials, meeting the social need, the profit of the profession, the ability of the master to transfer his knowledge, skills, and experience to his apprentice, the ability of the product produced to find a market, and the ability of both the profession and the master to keep up with the changing conditions.
Keywords : geleneksel meslek, zanaatkâr, somut olmayan kültürel miras, İzmir