In Gaziantep, 70-year-old Mesut Uz has been handcrafting zurnas—a traditional Turkish wind instrument—for six decades. Working from the historic Coppersmiths’ Bazaar, Uz produces about 10 zurnas daily using dried apricot wood and techniques passed down through generations. Despite rising demand during the wedding season, he struggles to find apprentices as interest in the craft fades among youth. Uz said his zurnas are sought after nationwide, especially from cities like Adana, Istanbul, and Ankara. Prices vary between 5,000 and 15,000 Turkish lira, depending on quality and craftsmanship.
Fatma Altınbaş – Uğur Dönek
