Kabak kemane master İrfan Alkur and his instrument workshop within the scope of the living human treasure program

"Living Human Treasures (LHT)" is a system recommended to UNESCO by the Republic of Korea in 1993, emphasizing the role of master individuals in the transmission of cultural heritage. In 2003, the "Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage" was signed by UNESCO, advocating for the protection of individuals who produce, sustain, and transmit cultural heritage, rather than focusing solely on objects. This study examines the extent to which İrfan Alkur, who has been playing the kabak kemane for 55 years in Başköy Village, a district of Tire in İzmir, adheres to the criteria of Living Human Treasures. In this context, interviews were conducted with the master, "İlim ve İrfanla Müzik" Workshop, considered within the cultural context, was visited, and the master's works were documented. As a result of the study, it was concluded that Mr. Alkur should be declared as a Living Human Treasure and receive support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Provincial Directorates of Culture and Tourism, Universities, and Public Education Centers is necessary for the preservation of kabak kemane craftsmanship, as the continuity of the master- apprentice relationship is increasingly challenging.