No one wants to do this job anymore: The last representative of the profession

Ramazan Kalay, who comes from a family of tinsmiths in Eskişehir for 4 generations, stated that the profession he learned from his father has reached the point of extinction, as no one wants to do this job anymore. With the advancement of technology, tinsmithing has started to be among the dying professions. While the number of tinsmiths nationwide is decreasing day by day, Ramazan Kalay, who carries his profession in his surname, has not given up his job. Kalay, stated to be the last representative of tinsmithing in Eskişehir, mentioned that in the years he started this job, copper vessels were popular and valuable, but over time the profession began to disappear. Ramazan Kalay, who mentioned that his profession continues with difficult conditions but he loves what he does, said, “I started this tinsmithing profession thanks to my grandfather and father. I continued it until this date coming from them. I started tinsmithing when I was 10 years old. We used to visit villages before, I used to assist my father in polishing pots. From apprentice to journeyman, I reached this point. It would be better if this profession does not die out and continues. Now, there is no one growing up with passion and desire. Since there are none, I continue the profession myself. Actually, it would be good if the authorities helped with a more active place. Also, my surname is Kalay. I am the 4th generation. If one more person reaches mastery from apprenticeship and journeyman, they will reach the 5th generation, hopefully.”