It started 50 years ago: He has been turning his work into art for half a century.

Murat Yanar, who used to make and repair items like copper tea cauldrons, devoted himself to coppersmithing when his work began to fall out of favor. Yanar, who has been crafting mosque finials for years with diligence, patience, and craftsmanship, transforms copper into art with his hammer.

Murat Yanar, who makes copper cauldrons, pots, and trays, passionately pursues his half-century-old craft. Yanar expressed his disappointment at not being able to find apprentices, adding that the profession is on the verge of extinction due to the lack of new masters.

Yanar, who stated that he started his profession after finishing primary school, said, "After finishing primary school, I worked as a mechanic for about a month. However, the coppersmiths in the shop across the street and their art appealed to me more. That's how I started coppersmithing. My master made copper water heaters and coffee kettles. I worked with him until I went to the army. After returning from military service, my interest in handicrafts grew even more as I made bath kettles and water heaters. My master also made products like casseroles and a few mosque finials. After my master left the profession, I began to educate myself in this field because of my love for art."

I acquired this knowledge through my own efforts, rather than learning directly from my master. In a small city like Çorum, we struggled in the early years because we weren't very popular. But over time, because there was no one else doing this work, people got used to it. At one point, I became interested in making mosque finials, but since finials were generally made of chrome, steel, and fiberglass at the time, I returned to coppersmithing and will continue this art. I will continue to do so as long as God grants me life," he said.

Yanar, who expressed his interest in many art forms, said, "My art isn't just coppersmithing. I also practiced sculpture for about ten years. After bypass surgery, I had to quit when doctors banned it. I took a break for a while because my profession wasn't profitable, but after that ban, I returned to copper and continue to do so today. Among the products we make are copper cauldrons, which were once used for cooking but whose popularity declined with the advent of aluminum and steel. I've decorated these cauldrons and turned them into decorative items like vases, planters, and wall hangings. We also make iskilip filling cauldrons and alembics. We recycle old and scrap pans, cauldrons, and basins, transforming them into works of art."

A work we value in this way can last for hundreds of years as a legacy. We transform metal once considered scrap metal into art that will endure for centuries. I see that young people's interest in this art form is very low, around one or two percent. However, the generation over fifty or sixty, who have lived using these objects, appreciates their value more deeply. I hope that through publications like these, we can also introduce this art to young people. I'm passionate about all forms of art; I'm interested in everything from wood carving to a woman's needlework.

"I also worked as a sculptor for eight years while we were making the Hacı Bektaş statue. As long as it's handmade, it's all about craftsmanship. Machine-made products aren't worth a penny to me, because I know how difficult and valuable handcrafting is. I had a dream about art. I wanted to create very special pieces, and open a permanent museum-like shop, without selling them. Unfortunately, life's circumstances prevented me from realizing this dream," he said.