Set in a land shaped by many civilisations, Bodrum carries a heritage of artistry passed down through generations. Needle lace, Bodrum cloth, weaving, glasswork, wood carving, tin-smithing and rope-making are among the crafts that continue to flourish through the hands of skilled artisans.
Among Türkiye’s traditional crafts, tinsmithing restores copper vessels to their former glory. For centuries, artisans have cleaned copper with hydrochloric acid and sand before coating it over the fire with molten tin. The final polish with cotton leaves each piece renewed, gleaming as it once did.
CRAFTS
Weaving is a craft rich in tradition, shaped by techniques unique to each region. In Bodrum, local methods create distinct textiles: fine threads form the base while thicker yarns are woven into patterns, revealing the visible artistry of handwork.
Ropemaking has long been one of Bodrum’s defining crafts, vital to the life of a harbour town. Once famed for the strong ropes used to haul ships ashore, Bodrum even supplied the ropes said to have drawn Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s vessels into the Golden Horn. Beyond maritime use, ropemakers also craft accessories, buttons, garments and decorative pieces, an art now sustained by only a few master artisans.
The art of glassmaking in Bodrum is most vividly expressed through the creation of the ‘nazar’ amulet, a symbol long linked to local beliefs. Over centuries, artisans have transformed glass into varied forms, sizes and designs. Today, these pieces remain a familiar sight across the Aegean.
Internationally known as Turkish lace, needle lace is one of the most intricate forms of embroidery, requiring immense patience and skill. In Bodrum, it remains a cherished tradition, adorning garments and decorative pieces with delicate motifs.
This traditional fabric, woven with agile threads, is known for its elasticity and breathable comfort. Cotton in composition, it embraces the body with ease and offers a fresh, cooling touch on warm summer days. Clothing made from Bodrum cloth is cherished by travellers seeking authenticity.
