The experienced master who keeps the art of basket weaving alive has been granted the title of ‘Artist’

Ahmet Öz, one of the last representatives of the tradition of basket weaving, which is a fading profession in Denizli, was awarded the title of ‘Living Artist’ in the field of traditional basket weaving by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for his application as an Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearer, aiming to preserve cultural heritage and pass it on to future generations.

Living in Bahadınlar Mahallesi, Çal district of Denizli, Ahmet Öz and his wife Gülcihan Öz achieved a significant success by continuing the centuries-old tradition of basket weaving. Using natural materials such as melengeç, sarıca ayrık, and willow sticks, the couple produced various bread, grape, egg, and decorative baskets as well as large baskets, making a significant contribution to the preservation of traditional handicrafts.

Ahmet Öz, who revived the fading profession of basket weaving through the Çal Public Education Center, also played an important role in preserving cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations. He applied to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to become an Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearer. After successfully passing the interview at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Öz was awarded the title of ‘Living Artist’ in the field of traditional basket weaving and also received an artist introduction card.

District Governor Ahmet Baz, who welcomed the couple continuing the traditional basket weaving tradition, stated, ‘The couple living in Bahadınlar Mahallesi, Ahmet Öz and Gülcihan Öz, continue the centuries-old tradition of basket weaving. They produce various baskets using natural materials such as melengeç, sarıca ayrık, and willow sticks. These baskets include bread baskets, grape baskets, egg baskets, decorative baskets, and large baskets. Ahmet Öz’s continuation and preservation of the basket weaving tradition have earned him the identity of ‘Living Artist’ by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. We congratulate him for this significant achievement and wish him continued success.’

Furthermore, it was learned that Ahmet Öz, who was awarded the title of artist in the traditional basket weaving field as an intangible cultural heritage bearer, will open courses through the Çal Public Education Center to revive and spread the fading profession of basket weaving.