Artisans bring timeless antique works back to life

Skilled antique masters with decades of expertise meticulously restore timeworn treasures in Istanbul's Horhor Antique Bazaar, reviving their elegance while safeguarding their timeless charm for future generations to admire.

Located in the Fatih district, the bazaar not only sells old objects but also serves as a place where many broken, worn, and faded antiques are expertly restored. Artisans repair these items in their workshops, ensuring that timeless pieces are passed down to future generations. These valuable items find their way to display shelves to be appreciated by antique enthusiasts, often referred to as the "final buyers."

İlhan Şenyurt, a 67-year-old artisan restoring antiques in his workshop at the bazaar, shared that he has been in the trade since he was 12, honing his craft for an impressive 55 years.

Specializing in wooden products and various other pieces, Şenyurt explained that they clean damaged and deteriorated items brought to them by stripping old paint, sanding them and applying shellac polish to enhance their appearance. He emphasized that the pieces are treated without altering their original state, with the restoration process taking anywhere from a week to three or four months, depending on the item.

Highlighting the dwindling number of artisans skilled in antique restoration, Şenyurt said: "Previously, we had many masters, but unfortunately, they are no longer around. The older generation has aged, many have passed away and others have retired. We are the last generation now, and there is no younger generation to teach. It seems this profession might end with us."

Şenyurt noted that restoring antiques is not easy, requiring years of experience and skill. Despite being in the field for over 50 years,...