Calligraphy Artist from Izmir Eyüp Karanfil Awarded Cultural Heritage Bearer Title
55-year-old Eyüp Karanfil, who experienced difficulties in reading and writing during his primary school years, was deemed worthy of the title of Living Human Treasure (Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearer) by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism due to his success in the art of calligraphy.
Living in the Konak district of Izmir, 55-year-old Eyüp Karanfil began developing an interest in letters while working as an apprentice in a printing shop during his childhood years. Despite the difficulties he experienced in reading and writing, Karanfil did not abandon his passion for lines and letters, and by improving himself, he became a master in the art of calligraphy and was awarded the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearer by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
Continuing his work in his two-square-meter shop in the historical Kemeralty Bazaar, Eyüp Karanfil applies the art of calligraphy to many different surfaces, from paper to porcelain plates, and from wood to henna tambourines. Having received the title of Intangible Cultural Heritage Bearer from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2025, Karanfil gives lessons to his students to keep this art alive and aims to pass it on to future generations.
Sources
- sondakika.com · Link