Craft and Craft Spaces from the Past to the Present: Example of Trabzon City

Abstract

There are many spatial, social, economic, and cultural interactions brought about by the globalization process across the world. This situation brought local conditions into the forefront. Thus, the competition of identity and culture among cities came into view. One of the important factors that emphasize cultural lifestyles in the city is that of craft and craft spaces. Sustainability of craft and craft spaces is of great importance for urban identity. However, the widespread use of new consumption habits and living conditions which accompany developing technology are causing the loss of craft and craft spaces on a daily basis. The city of Trabzon, the study area of the present study, has a long history in terms of trade and crafts. As in many cities of Anatolia, with the urbanization in Trabzon, today, craft and craft spaces have lost their importance they had in the past. However, some types of crafts that have traditionally been produced in the city still exist, especially in the historical city center. The city of Trabzon has an important trade and craft background. The aim of this study is to analyze the transformation of crafts and craft spaces socially in terms of both space and the points of view of craftsmen, and to develop suggestions for the revival, protection and maintenance of these spaces. To this end, the related literature was reviewed, an on-site detection and observations of the craft spaces were made, craft spaces were photographed, and craftsmen were interviewed. Based on the information obtained, maps and numerical data were created and, therefore, the transformation of crafts and craft spaces was revealed.