CRAFTING SOUNDS IN ESKIŞEHİR: THE TALE OF YUSUF KAPLANGIL AND HIS VIOLINS
Global dissemination of Yusuf Dede's violin melodies acknowledged worldwide.
In the heart of Anatolia, nestled within the Tepebaşı district of Eskişehir, lies a hidden gem - a humble basement workshop where, for over five decades, Yusuf Kaplangil has been crafting violins by hand. Now 91, he may no longer be able to construct these enchanting instruments, but his passion for the violin remains as potent as ever.
Born into a world of metal casting, Kaplangil's connection with music began in the third grade, when a violin in a schoolbook caught his eye, and he heard the haunting melodies of the instrument in the rustic harmony of village weddings. This melody lingered, and he eventually transformed his home's coal cellar into a workshop, devoting himself to honing his skills and bringing the violin to life.
A master of self-taught craftsmanship, Kaplangil's creations have made their way across the globe, filling the hearts of musicians in Germany, France, Austria, and the Netherlands, as well as resonating in the corners of his beloved Turkey. His dedication to the craft didn't stop at building the instruments - he designed and constructed the machines used to shape the very essence of each violin.
Now a father of four and grandfather of eight, Kaplangil takes pride in the legacy of the countless violins he sent out into the world. He recalls the years of trial and error, learning the art of violin making amongst the aroma of burning wood and the gentle whisper of strings.
Beyond simply constructing violins, Kaplangil also offered his expertise in repairs, restoring even the oldest and most precious instruments with tender care and precision. Those seeking his services often traveled directly to his workshop, entrusting him with their instruments and leaving his side knowing their violins would soon sing again.
The journey from a humble coal cellar to the world stage wasn't easy, with each violin requiring around 50 days of unwavering dedication. The process isn't for the faint of heart, as Kaplangil himself puts it, "This isn't something you can do by just gluing four pieces of wood together. You need to love it."
Years of dedication brought him into contact with countless musicians, who praised his work and continued to seek him out long after he stopped constructing new violins. Even today, his phone rings with orders from cherished clients who adore the soulful sounds of his creations, sounds that improve with the passing of time and the delicate touch of the musician's hand.
As for the future, Kaplangil's hands may no longer hold the tools of his trade, but his passion remains undiminished - a testament to the power of music and the indelible mark that Kaplangil has left on the world of the violin.
In Yusuf Kaplangil's home-and-garden, melodies once started as a humble vision in a schoolbook, transforming into a crescendo of life in a coal cellar workshop. Despite retiring from the craft, his lifestyle in Eskişehir continues to resonate globally, with the communion of music still ringing in heralding the soul of his lifestyle.
