The Devrek cane is a type of traditional cane produced in Devrek, a district of the Zonguldak province, adorned with fine craftsmanship and handicrafts. Usually made from durable woods such as boxwood, cherry, cornelian cherry, and walnut, these canes are decorated with various motifs during the processing stage. The engravings on them range from Ottoman-era figures to animal depictions, and from traditional Turkish motifs to modern patterns. In this process, the patterns applied through techniques like relief, carving, and inlay highlight not only the cane’s functionality but also its aesthetic quality. The Devrek Cane contributes to the local economy and tourism while also serving to preserve the cultural heritage of the region.
Devrek Cane shop (Photo: Zonguldak İli Kültür ve Turizm Müdürlüğü)
History
It is stated that the initial steps in cane-making in the Devrek district were inspired by the spinning wheel, a traditional yarn-spinning tool. With the experience gained from the spinning wheel, black-and-white “bone mouthpieces” produced especially from buffalo horn and the core of cornelian cherry wood were used to design three-piece mouthpieces combined with silver or gold rings. These types of transitional products laid the foundations of the cane-making art in Devrek. One of the oldest written sources, the 1892 Kastamonu Salname, mentions that products such as chests, tables, consoles, cigarette holders, and canes made from walnut wood in the town of Devrek were produced satisfactorily, and that this line of work would grow within Devrek’s industry.
The advanced carpentry skills acquired by the masters from Devrek eventually elevated them to a level where they could serve in the carpentry workshop of the Ottoman palace. In this context, one of the mentioned masters is Ali Ziya Efendi from Devrek. According to historical records, there are two different accounts regarding Ali Ziya Efendi’s dispatch to Egypt. The first account states that he was captured by the British during World War I and taken to Egypt, while the other suggests that he was exiled to Egypt as a punishment for a mistake he made while working in the palace carpentry workshop during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid. In both cases, it is known that while serving in Egypt, he observed that the canes carried by British officers as an accessory were symbols of power and nobility. It is said that upon returning to Devrek, he suggested to the craftsmen there to produce the “double-snake-figured cane” that he had seen and been influenced by in Egypt. This suggestion is thought to have increased the design variety and artistic richness of the Devrek Cane.
Devrek Cane (Photo: Batı Karadeniz)
One of the prominent masters of the 1930s, Aziz Salman Usta, contributed to promoting the Devrek Cane by setting up exhibitions during the Savings and Local Goods Week event in Zonguldak in 1933 and at the Izmir International Fair in 1936. In the 1950s, the cane reached wider audiences through events organized at various fairs and was also featured in a quiz show in 1965. Although it went into decline over time for economic reasons, it returned to prominence with the Cane and Wrestling Festival held on July 7, 1984. In the 2000s, the name of the festival was changed to the International Devrek Cane and Culture Festival.【1】 Moreover, with the support of the Ministry of Culture in 1994, exhibitions held in Ankara and at Topkapı Palace increased awareness of the art of the Devrek Cane. Seminars held at universities and participation in various festivals both at home and abroad also strengthened its recognition. Today, the Devrek Cane, presented as a gift to many prominent figures, continues to be a symbolic element reflecting the region’s craftsmanship culture and handicraft heritage.
Production and Characteristics
Today, Devrek canes are produced from various types of wood such as cornelian cherry, maple, and walnut. The production process begins with the careful drying of the selected wood, which is crucial for making the wood workable. Since the type of wood affects the cane’s durability and the processing technique, masters choose according to the intended purpose of use. Additionally, the tip of the cane is reinforced with materials such as metal, brass, or bone. Local artisans sometimes adorn the cane with metal components such as brass, silver, or gold rings, creating pieces of both high aesthetic and collectible value. In some models, the handle section is enriched with materials like animal horn or bone-like substances, giving the top part of the cane a more striking appearance.
Devrek Cane (Photo: Batı Karadeniz)
Masters pay attention to many fine details in the cane-making process: checking the wood’s curvature and diameter, shaving methods, sanding the surface, and applying varnish or polish are all carried out meticulously. During this process, the natural grain of the wood is preserved, and the aim is for the motifs applied to stand out.
Devrek canes bear artistic value thanks to the traditional motifs on them. The motifs are carved by hand. One of the most frequently used figures is the snake motif, symbolizing wisdom and strength. Dragon and eagle figures represent leadership and might. Canes adorned with Ottoman and Seljuk motifs bear the traces of traditional Turkish art. In addition, personalized designs are produced, and canes specific to statesmen, artists, and collectors are made.
Devrek Cane (Photo: Batı Karadeniz)
Finally, Devrek cane-making is a traditional handicraft passed down from master to apprentice, and it is an important part of Devrek’s cultural heritage. Drawing attention with its design and technical details, the Devrek Cane is a traditional craft passed from master to apprentice, symbolizing the region’s cultural identity. It contributes to the local economy, tourism, and cultural promotion.
