How A 92-Year-Old Saved The Ancient Craft Of Parchment-Making In Western Turkey | Still Standing

Oh, let me paint you a picture, a tale woven from the age-old craft of creating parchment, where every scrape, every stroke is a symphony of dedication. Meet İsmail Araç, the last of the parchment magicians, spinning his artistry with sheepskin and determination. At 92, he's not just making parchment; he's crafting resilience.

Unveiling an Ancient Legacy

Imagine spending an hour meticulously plucking every strand of hair from a sheepskin. Sounds like a labor of love, doesn't it? İsmail invests this time, a month per canvas, to conjure one of the world's most enduring canvases. But this art, oh, it nearly vanished! Mass-produced paper barged in, offering a cheaper, quicker alternative. Yet, İsmail fought against this tide, seeking apprentices in a battle against time.

Crafting Legends and Tradition

Journey with us to Bergama, where this ancient craft defies time's merciless grasp. İsmail, with a discerning eye, picks skins swiftly, a skill honed over 70 years. Clad in his work attire, he treads upon the footsteps of his passion, a legacy rooted in his soul since the tender age of 6. His memories embellished with leather tanners and parchment makers, birthing an unyielding determination.

The Symphony of Creation

Step into İsmail's world—a stone workshop, a sanctuary standing amidst the ruins of forgotten tanneries. He dances with hides, a choreography that starts with washing and soaking, the calcium hydroxide a harsh melody against his skin. But gloves? Oh no, İsmail defies the need, embracing the challenge with a stubborn resolve.

Passing the Torch of Tradition

For years, he toiled alone, the hunt for an apprentice as arduous as the craft itself. Yet, İsmail persisted, nailing the hides to wooden boards, watching time weave its magic as they dried. Parchment, oh, a legacy over 2,000 years old, etched with tales of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Magna Carta, and the United States Constitution. İsmail, a torchbearer, sold parchment to sustain his passion, partnered to birth the Pergamon Parchment store, nurturing a new generation of artisans.

Legacy in Safe Hands

His wearied hands now find solace in guiding Meltem and Sinan, heirs to his craft. The echoes of struggle resonate as they seek kindred spirits, young souls eager to learn. Yet, their shop thrives, catering to governments and artists alike. Fatma Kayalı, an artist celebrating nature's beauty on parchment, a canvas woven from this enduring craft.

A Future Enshrined in Legacy

As İsmail nears a century, his focus shifts, carving his legacy into the hearts of Bergama's youth. Meltem and Sinan, torchbearers of his craft, not just merchants but teachers, imparting the tale of parchment to eager minds. For İsmail, it's about passing the baton, confident that his craft's spirit will dance on.

Epilogue: A Call to Preserve Traditions

Here ends a saga, a testament to resilience, where an ancient craft thrives against the storm of time. This isn't just about parchment; it's about preserving tradition, a narrative echoed in artisans across the globe. If this story sparks a flame in your heart, join us in celebrating these artisans who keep our heritage alive. Like, subscribe, and share your thoughts, for every comment is a whisper, guiding us to more tales worth telling.

There you have it, a vibrant tapestry woven from the legacy of parchment-making, where every stroke and scrape narrates a tale of resilience. This craft, like many others, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and unwavering determination to preserve tradition in an ever-evolving world.