Wood carving from handcrafts i̇n Amasra

Among the traditional Turkish crafts, one of the oldest and most common construction material is wood. Wood carving is used in all areas from architecture to various objects. The trees are easily obtained, processed handily and cost low prices. Because they are rich in the Anatolian forests. There are some techniques used in wood carving such as surface carving, addition, grating technique and toma. In Amasra, mostly the toma technique is used. The local name of wood carving using this technique is "The art of Çekicilik". This research covers the study of the art of çekicilik belonging to Amasra in Bartın. The aim of the study is to compile the knowledge, emotions, thoughts, experiences of the representatives of descendants of the art of çekicilik, to improve this art and to contribute to the works done to carry this art into the future. For this purpose, Ahatlar village and workshops here and Amasra Çekiciler Bazaar are examined, the products are examined in terms of raw material and production technique. Marketing conditions have been determined. People working in the workshops are interviewed and the products and construction stages are photographed. The most produced products include kitchen utensil such as sugar bawls cups, service tools such as spoons, forks, ladles, cookie sets, nut breakers, cruets, garlic presses, decorative products and souvenirs such as vases, various trinkets key chains, magnets and portraits, daily use products such as coffee tables, chests, tags, pencil cases, toys lighthouses, ashtrays. These products are marketed in various ways some of them are sold at the çekiciler markets some are sent all over the Turkey on order. Most of these orders are purchased through internet sites. Some of these orders are taken by the suppliers of these products by their own means and given to the sales centers. At the end of the discussions with local people and masters, ıt has been seen that the art of çekicilik has decreased compared to the past years and even different business lines have been preferred. The most important reason for the decrease in the art of çekicilik is the low cost of China goods on the looms. Other reasons are non-fixed incomes of masters of the art of çekicilik, the choice of different business lines originating from the insufficiency of this income to meet the needs. In addition, young people don't prefer this profession which requires patience and time. So, the interest in this art is decreasing and this art isn't transferred from father to son from generation to generation. In order to keep the art of çekicilik alive and to pass on to the next generations, the restrictions on the entry of Chinese goods into the region should be introduced. The introduction of the art of çekicilik in the traditional manner should be made more and more remarkably through media organs both domestically and abroad. Craftsmen should be supported on raw materials. Their cast should be lowered. For young people, job opportunities should be provided, those who practice this profession should be employed in a way not to worry about livelihood. The ministry of National education should also give a broader place to the traditional Turkish handicrafts in the curriculum. In this context, wood carving should also be included in the curriculum, children and young people should recognize these professions. National culture and values should be informed and opportunities should be given to those who have the interest and talent. In the related sections of universities, researches on woodworking should be carried out. This art should be uncovered. Keywords: Wood, Çekicilik, Shellack, Ostrya carpinifolia, Lathe machine