The Akdemir Family Workshop in Izmir, Reviving the Tradition of Turkish Blacksmithing

The Akdemir family workshop in the historic Kemeralti market of Izmir is known as a traditional blacksmithing workplace, but looking inside, this workshop transforms into a world of fantasy and charm. In this workshop, which has been producing tools and weapons for generations, fantasy weapons are especially made for fans of video games and television series.

The Beginning of the Blacksmithing Story in Kemeralti

Suleyman Akdemir, 30 years old, with a serious face and a wrinkled forehead, is working with a piece of hot metal. He pulls a piece of metal out of the furnace and places it on the anvil. A few meters away, his father, Omar Akdemir, 54 years old, is busy working with tools. The sound of the hammer on the metal in this small workshop is so loud that it halts conversations.

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Suleyman says, "As far back as I can remember, I have worked here in blacksmithing. I have been here since I could walk." With its rich history, this workshop has now turned to producing fantasy weapons that have emerged from agricultural tools and simple household items.

Changes in the Industry and Market

The Akdemir family has faced changes in the market and the needs of their customers. In the past two or three decades, agricultural tools and general hardware were the main products of the workshop. However, with the increase in factory productions, the demand for these products has decreased. Suleyman points to these changes and says, "The work that my father and his generation do is related to a specific population. But in reality, they produce with a special artistry that I feel should be somewhere beyond this."

In 2014, Suleyman decided to start an Instagram account to attract new customers. This move quickly paid off, and bizarre requests from around the world reached him. One of his first online customers was a police officer in Erzurum who wanted a handmade machete for outdoor use.

As the workshop's fame spread, Suleyman faced more requests. In 2016, with the rising popularity of the Turkish historical series "Diriliş: Ertuğrul," more customers approached him, asking for weapons they had seen in the series.

Now, the Akdemir workshop has turned to producing fantasy weapons for customers from all over the world, marking a significant success for Suleyman and his family. He says, "Thank God, we can make anything we see." This rule has not only helped preserve the tradition of blacksmithing but has also allowed them to enter a new and exciting market.

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