earticle

영어

The values that people reveal in the process of change and transformation can be defined as culture in particular and cultural heritage in general. In terms of preserving cultural assets and passing them on to future generations, the concept of "cultural heritage" is essential. Having ancient values dating back thousands of years, Anatolian geography has hosted many social groups in the socialization process. The Ahi organization, a socioeconomic order where fraternity, honesty, and benevolence are all integrated, has long guided the transmission of cultural legacy and allowed Anatolians to develop their talents in the arts and professions. The Ahi craftsmen ensured the continuation of their profession and passed on the traditional knowledge created by society to following generations with the help of the professional organization that was established under the direction of Ahi Evran. The Ahi organization has common approaches with UNESCO's Living Human Treasures Program in terms of its professional principles and methods. The main purpose of both practices is to transfer the values, philosophy, and nuances of the profession to future generations. In this sense, it is possible to assess traditional craftsmen as actors and actresses who serve society and keep the tradition alive. The identification and promotion of the local actors and actresses, who are the living carriers and developers of traditional knowledge and experience memory, will perpetuate the transfer of cultural heritage. Ahmet Ay, a woodworker and kündekâri craftsman living in Kırşehir, is a traditional connoisseur who has been practicing his art for 40 years. The aim of the study is to record the information provided by the wood and lectern craftsman Ahmet Ay, who was given the title of State Artist of Traditional Handicrafts by the Ministry of Cultureand Tourism in the province of Kırşehir, which is accepted as the organizational hub for the Ahi, and to come up with recommendations for the preservation and transfer of this profession, which has sunk into oblivion. Ahmet Ay's nomination for inclusion in the inventory of "Living Human Treasure" in 2023 is still pending.