The hazelnut branch turns into art in his hands.

In Duzce, Recep Erbay, who keeps the art of basket weaving inherited from his grandfather alive and has been designated as a “Bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage,” weaves beautiful baskets from hazelnut tree branches.

Learning the art of basket weaving passed down from his grandfather to his father and then to him in Trabzon, Recep Erbay continues to practice this craft in Duzce. He started this challenging job alongside his father at a young age and has mastered it over the years. Designated as a “Bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage” by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Erbay has diversified the baskets, making them suitable for decorative purposes. Today, the baskets that were once a necessary need of the past have transformed into art pieces used as hobbies in his hands.

Expressing his love for his profession, Recep Erbay said, “It is a profession inherited from my grandfather and father. I learned basket weaving when I was young, alongside my father. I have reached this age and advanced my profession. Weaving baskets is a very difficult job, but it is not hard for me anymore. I love this profession. Because I do it with love, I have woven many baskets until today and made changes. I have diversified the baskets. So far, I have made baskets for onions, potatoes, garlic, balconies, laundry, plant holders, and vases. We can say that we have transitioned from baskets used for collecting hazelnuts or apples to more decorative baskets. Nowadays, since such baskets are no longer available, I have made a system change.”

Stating that the baskets that were commonly used in the past are no longer a necessity, Erbay said, “Those who buy baskets now buy them as a hobby. I don’t think they are a necessity, but there are those who buy and use them because they look nice.”

“I make my baskets from hazelnut wood”

Erbay stated that he makes his baskets from hazelnut tree branches, saying, “I make them as I learned from my father. Since hazelnut trees are abundant, we continue with hazelnut, and the baskets turn out even more beautiful.”

Designated as a Bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage two years ago, Erbay said, “I had set up a stand at an exhibition of public education in Duzce. They came from the Tourism Directorate and asked what I made the baskets from. When I told them I made them from hazelnut wood, they gave me their cards. Later, I went to them and applied for an artist identity to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I took exams in Ankara, and my card arrived 5-6 months later. I participated in fairs in Germany and Istanbul, and I continue to participate in fairs in many regions.”