The Baksı Museum in northeastern Turkey’s Bayburt province is preparing to send some of its original handmade carpets to an international exhibition in Germany.

The carpets are made in workshops that are attached to the museum, which was established by painter and scholar Hüsametting Koçan to transfer the heritage of the region to the next generation. The museum, which has been visited by 15,000 since it opened, also plays an important role in preventing people from migrating from the village to bigger cities in search of work. On his quest to introduce the region’s masterful weaving skills to the world, Koçan contacted representatives of a fair in Berlin and decided to exhibit the carpets at the fair on Nov. 7.

“After we opened the museum, a total of 20 girls learned how to weave authentic carpets and they are now working in this profession,” Koçan told Anatolia news agency.

Noting that the carpet project has influenced society a lot, Koçan said: “The Social Support Program [SODES] has helped the people of Bayburt a lot. Currently, 20 women are weaving pyramid-style carpets, which are really valuable.” He said the pyramid-style carpet, known as “ehram” in Turkish, is a traditional type of carpet that reflects the nomadic heritage of Anatolia.

Noting that they have achieved satisfactory results from the workshops and the museum, Koçan said: “Currently, the carpets that we make at the museum are on the market and production will continue.”

Koçan said they were also opening exhibitions in Turkey and abroad to exhibit the carpets from the workshops. “Many people are visiting the museum from Germany and the United States. We are also working to publicize our museum abroad on TV channels.”

Important move for Bayburt

This is a very important initiative, according to Koçan. “The interest in our carpets is an example of the interest people from abroad are taking in our country.”

Noting that the museum has reached international fame, Koçan said: “Our project started as a local project but achieved fame in the world.”

The aim of the museum and the arts and culture association attached to it is very significant, he said, adding that they have achieved a level of success well beyond their dreams. “We are really happy. We think this year there will be a really active season that we will experience. This will also add to employment opportunities,”

“Bayburt will have new products to sell to the world and to Turkey and this is a significant and important issue for us,” he said.

(Source: www.hurriyetdailynews.com )