An Example of the Copper Production Area in Anatolia: Coppersmith in Erzincan (Turkey) and Importance of the Production Branch as the Cultural Heritage Value

Tangible and intangible cultural values of a society continuing from the past to the present are expressed by the term of cultural heritage. Traditional crafts are the important pillar of the intangible cultural heritage. Actually, the aforementioned arts are extremely important in terms of reflecting the culture of the society and being an instrument in transferring of this culture to the future generations. Coppersmith art, which has a long history in the culture of Anatolia, will be eligible to be addressed in this context. Erzincan copper production and hand embroidery is distinguished from the other coppersmith centers in Anatolia with unique processing technique. Besides, that it gradually lost its importance in a changing world and faced with the threat of extinction have led us to undertake such a study. In the study in which qualitative research methods were used a two-stage process were followed. In the first stage, the previous studies about the subject that are both general and regional were scanned, so it was attempted to establish theoretical infrastructure of the research. The second stage that provides accessing to the data from the first-hand about the coppersmith in the region is based on observations and interviews performed in the workshops and retail stores in the field. By analyzing and synthesizing all these data in the light of the principles of geographical ideas, the present article work was put forward. In the study, the problems in some areas from the problems of apprentice and master supply until the failure in the promotion and marketing area were discussed and it was made various resolutions to them. Making a functional cooperative in the sector, the provision of state support in certain areas and the evaluation of copper production that is a significant traditional handicraft and hand embroidery as cultural heritage and being addressed of them within cultural tourism or heritage tourism can be listed among them. Thus, important steps will be taken in terms of the survival and revival of the mentioned cultural heritage.