Turkish Copper Craft: Gaziantep, Mardin and the Coppersmi...

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: The finest Turkish copper craft , known as bakırcılık , is a living tradition of hand-hammering and engraving copper into beautiful and functional objects. The heart of this art form beats loudest in the coppersmiths' bazaars of cities like Gaziantep and Mardin , where travellers can still hear the rhythmic hammering of artisans crafting everything from a traditional Turkish cezve to ornate trays. Fact Detail Primary Region Southeastern Anatolia, with notable centers in other regions. Key Cities Gaziantep , Mardin , Şanlıurfa , Diyarbakır , Trabzon , Kastamonu . Best Time to Visit Spring ( April-June ) & Autumn ( September-November ). More info on the best time to visit Turkey . Itinerary Focus Allow 2-3 days in Gaziantep to fully explore the bazaar and its food culture. Price Band (New Items) $20 USD for a small coffee pot up to $500+ USD for large, intricate pieces. UNESCO Connection Gaziantep is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy , a title inseparable from its copper kitchenware tradition. What is the History of Turkish Copper Craft? The story of copper in Anatolia is as old as civilization itself. This land, part of modern-day Türkiye , sits on a rich mineral belt. Archaeological evidence shows copper was being smelted here over 7,000 years ago. The historic heart of Turkey 's copper supply was the "copper belt" in the southeast, with major mines at Ergani (near Diyarbakır ) and Murgul (near Artvin ) fueling the craft for centuries. The art of bakırcılık (coppersmithing) flourished under the Seljuk and Ottoman Empires. Copper, being an excellent conductor of heat, durable, and beautiful, was the material of choice for the kitchens of palaces and humble homes alike. It was used for everything from massi