When Antalya is mentioned today, everyone in our country immediately thinks of it as the capital of tourism. However, as we have highlighted in many previous pages, Antalya is also home to thousands of years of history. The city, which holds an important place in Turkish culture, has preserved many valuable examples of the handicraft traditions that have survived from the Seljuk period to the present day. In 2003, the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage included Antalya’s Handicrafts Tradition. Let’s now take a closer look at Antalya’s place in this tradition. What are the handicrafts of Antalya, and which branches of craftsmanship continue to exist there? Here is a detailed overview of Antalya’s handicrafts.

Antalya Handicraft Tradition
Handicrafts, which are based on production using simple hand tools, knowledge, and skill, have traditionally developed through a master-apprentice relationship. In today’s industrial production era, handicrafts have become even more valuable, though many branches are unfortunately at risk of disappearing. Among these valuable traditions, Antalya’s handicrafts stand out as a precious cultural heritage.

Coppersmithing
Items made of copper are always preferred for their aesthetics and durability. Making copper products, particularly functional kitchenware, requires the skill of a master, with roots dating back centuries. In southern Turkey, coppersmithing is highly developed, and Antalya holds a special place in this tradition. The Demircilerici in Antalya and the Arasta Bazaar in Elmalı are notable centers where coppersmithing is still practiced.

Dowry Chest Craftsmanship
Life has accelerated, and many traditions are easily consumed or forgotten. One craft from slower-paced times is the making of dowry chests. Among Antalya’s handicrafts, dowry chest making primarily uses walnut wood and requires painstaking handwork. Heavy, intricately carved chests are still actively crafted in Antalya’s Alanya district.

Blacksmithing
Iron and steel are fundamental materials in modern industrial life, shaping human development. Working with iron—understanding it, shaping it, making it usable, and producing functional tools—requires knowledge, skill, and strength. In Antalya, the Blacksmiths’ Bazaar in Muratpaşa is a living example of this craft. Blacksmithing remains active in Elmalı, Korkuteli, and İbradı districts, producing everything from pickaxes and shovels to small household items.

Tinning
Coppersmithing is complemented by tinning, another traditional craft in Antalya. Tinning, which also requires expertise and experience, continues in connection with copper use, and itinerant tinners can still be seen. In Antalya and Elmalı’s Blacksmith Bazaar, you can witness both fine coppersmithing and tinning craftsmanship.

Spoon Making
Even a simple object like a spoon has its own craftsmanship. Spoon making has a special place among Antalya’s handicrafts. While modern life favors metal spoons, the city’s rich forestry supports highly developed wooden spoon craftsmanship. Using boxwood and sandalwood, the finest examples can be found in Bademli village in Akseki and Davazlar village in Demre, where craftsmen continue to create heirloom-quality spoons from natural wood.

Knife Making
Continuing with tableware, knife making is another significant craft. Knife making requires exceptional skill and is not limited to cutlery alone. In Antalya, knife making continues in Serik, Kumluca, and Elmalı districts. Given the importance of forestry and blacksmithing in the city, handmade knives have flourished. Kumluca is especially known for the production of Gardıç knives.

Fığla Cup Craftsmanship
Now, let’s look at a craft unique to Antalya: Fığla cup making from the Fığla neighborhood in Korkuteli. Fığla cups, made from pinewood, are large containers that keep water cold and healthy, traditionally used for irrigation in vineyards and gardens. This craft holds a special place among Antalya handicrafts and continues today, with Fığla cups also being used as decorative items in homes.

Musical Instrument Making
Instrument making from forest products is another specialized craft in Antalya. Stringed, percussion, wind, and bowed instruments, as well as percussion instruments used in Antalya’s folk spoon dance, continue to be made locally. Crafting instruments requires not only woodwork but also precise tuning to achieve the best sound. Many artisans are both instrument makers and performers, combining craftsmanship and musical artistry.

Sock Knitting
Sock knitting is another traditional craft in Antalya, reflecting the city’s mixed Mediterranean and continental climate. Wool, cotton, and mohair threads are all used to produce high-quality handmade socks.

Carpet and Kilim Weaving
Turkish carpets are world-famous, and Antalya contributes with Döşemealtı carpets, known nationally for their quality. Kovanlık village remains a key center for weaving mastery. Kilim weaving also thrives in Antalya, with Barak kilims from Kaş and Alafaradın kilims from Korkuteli being notable examples. Woven on Istar wooden looms, these kilims represent not only craftsmanship but a distinct cultural lifestyle.

Gılamık Weaving
Apart from carpets and kilims, Antalya is home to a special silk weaving called Gılamık, practiced in Ormana village. Gılamık weaving produces tablecloths, small covers, and bed linens, requiring specialized skill with silk.

Bottle Gourd Craftsmanship
Bottle gourds are common in Antalya and the Mediterranean. Valued for their durability and aesthetic appearance, they are also used to make the musical instrument called the keman. However, gourd craftsmanship is not limited to instruments—it is also used for decorative and household items. Skilled artisans continue this craft in Antalya today.