Gaziantep Sedef Craftsmanship

Gaziantep mother-of-pearl inlay is a traditional decorative art formed by inlaying mother-of-pearl ivory and wire elements onto hard woods such as walnut and lignum vitae. It was officially registered as a geographical indication on 22 July 2010 and a geographical indication application was submitted by the Gaziantep Bronze Workers Chamber. This art form carries a distinctive cultural heritage characterized by regional motifs techniques and material usage.

^{Gaziantep Sedef El İşlemeciliği} (Culture Portal)

Three main techniques are employed in mother-of-pearl inlay: embedding inlay coating and filling. In terms of motifs four primary styles are practiced in Gaziantep: Istanbul Work Damascus Work Vienna Work and Jerusalem Work. Among these Istanbul and Damascus styles are the most common.

• Istanbul Work: This style reflects Ottoman aesthetics using materials such as ivory bone and agate in geometric forms. Gold leaf applications are also observed.
• Damascus Work: The smooth white surface of thick mother-of-pearl is embedded into the wood and surrounded by wires made of a lead-tin alloy.
• Vienna Work: Irregularly placed colored mother-of-pearl pieces are applied using the boule inlay technique. This style is commonly preferred for furniture and decorative items.
• Jerusalem Work: This technique which is used in models of mosques and similar structures emphasizes plant and animal motifs.

Seljuk and Ottoman influences are prominent in the motifs. Baroque and Rumi arabesque patterns are also occasionally seen. The dominant colors are red and black.

The walnut and lignum vitae woods used in the craft must be dried for at least two years and selected free of branches and cracks. The cut logs are left to rest for a week then classified according to the type of product. After the motifs are drawn metal engraving is performed using steel chisels. The wires used brass aluminum silver and gold are annealed and hammered into the grooves.

Mother-of-pearl is sourced from mussel shells obtained from freshwater sources such as the Euphrates River. These shells are fragmented using a keltepen tool shaped with diamond stones and inserted into the carved recesses. The mother-of-pearl pieces are adhered using a paste made from yogurt glue and walnut sawdust. The drying period must be at least 24 hours.

During the smoothing stage kerosene is applied to prevent damage to the wires. For coloring nitric acid and olive oil are applied; for black coloring the surface is scorched with a chaloma torch. Finally a polish is applied using a mixture of gum arabic and alcohol and any inlays or accessories are added.

Products of Gaziantep mother-of-pearl inlay are inspected at least twice annually for compliance with production techniques proper use of the geographical indication and packaging standards. The inspection commission consists of representatives from the Gaziantep Chamber of Industry and the Union of Craftsmen and Artisans. Products must be presented wrapped in stretch film and boxed along with a certificate of guarantee and user manual.