MEET THE MAKERS: BEKİR HERVENİK

The hazelnut wood baskets in the MOYY Atölye collection are made by master basket maker

Bekir Hervenik, who lives in Çayeli, Rize, in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey. Bekir

learned the craft from his father and grandfather and grew up surrounded by this tradition.

For most of his life he has been weaving baskets from hazelnut branches, and today he is

one of the few remaining masters who continues this craft in the region.

The tradition of hazelnut basket making reflects a long and balanced relationship with

nature in the Black Sea region. Hazelnut trees grow naturally in this landscape. Their

branches are flexible and easy to work with. When the tree is pruned it does not weaken;

instead, it renews itself. For this reason, basket making does not harm the tree or the land. It follows and supports the natural cycle of the forest.

These baskets were developed for working in the steep and rugged terrain of the Black Sea

region and have many functional qualities. Most of them stand on small legs so they do not

touch the ground directly, protecting them from moisture. Their shape follows the logic of

the human body. The weight spreads along the spine and allows the person carrying the

basket to move more comfortably. For generations these baskets have been used for

collecting tea leaves, carrying agricultural products, and many everyday tasks.

Bekir Usta’s making process follows a rhythm that is closely connected to nature. First the

right hazelnut tree is selected and the branches are carefully pruned. The baskets are woven while the branches are still fresh, when they are at their most flexible. If necessary, the branches are lightly moistened to maintain their flexibility and prevent them from breaking during the weaving process.

The life of a basket continues even after it is finished. When the basket is used to carry

heavy loads it may be lightly moistened, since branches that become too dry can eventually

crack. At the same time, too much humidity can also damage the basket. For this reason,

during the winter in the Black Sea region baskets are often stored upside down near a fire.

This allows any remaining moisture to slowly escape while the smoke naturally strengthens

and protects the wood.

Today the number of masters who continue this craft is very small. Bekir Hervenik is one of

the last representatives of this tradition. For many years he has been trying to pass his

knowledge to younger generations and teach the craft, often working with women so that

the tradition can continue. Yet in the pace of modern life, crafts that require patience, time,

and physical effort are chosen by fewer and fewer people.

The relationship between MOYY Atölye and Bekir Usta is not only about making products.

Over the years it has grown into a collaboration based on mutual respect and on supporting the continuation of this knowledge and craft.

At MOYY Atölye we believe that traditional crafts should not only be preserved, but also

brought back into everyday life without losing their essence. Bekir Usta’s craft is an

important part of this approach.

For Bekir Usta, weaving baskets is not simply a profession but a way of life. Within the

rhythm of repeating movements, the mind becomes calm and thoughts grow quiet. For him,

making baskets is almost like an endless meditation.