KNIFE SHARPENING
Today, technology is very high and knife sharpeners are still working with traditional techniques. Before the Feast of Sacrifice, they begin working in the streets. They are waiting for customers. Their numbers are decreasing everyday. Now, they are working only before feasts. A knife sharpener says that: “Earning enough money from only one job is impossible today. Earning money from knife sharpening is more difficult.”
An Interview with a "Tinner" by Tuna YAYLACI
SINCE WHEN ARE YOU DOING THIS JOB?
I am doing this job since 1999 for 15 years. This
job passes from fathers to sons.
ARE YOU SATTISFIED WITH YOUR JOB?
Its income is not good but I love this job. So I am
satisfied.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFICULTİES OF YOUR JOB?
I am working mobile. So I don’t have a place to
work in. I am working in difficult conditions.
WHO TAUGHT YOU THIS JOB?
I learnt it from my father. He died in 1999.
WHAT IS THE DAILY INCOME OF THIS JOB?
I am tinning three pots in a day. A pot tinning is
3 Turkish Liras. So I have 9 Turkish Liras a day.
HOW IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR
CUSTOMERS?
Usually, we have bargains with customers.
I tell them that my income is low and they
try to give me less money.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF TINING?
First, I heat the pot then, I hold it with a cloth and
wipe it with vinegar. After that I mix vinegar with
soil and wash the pot with that soil. Finally I wash
the pot with water and it is done.
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF DISSAPPEARING OF YOUR JOB?
I want to continue and pass it to next generations but I think this job will disappear.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE THE LATEST MASTERS OF YOUR JOB?
It feels good. I am proud to do this job and try to pass it to next generations.
E-Twinning Project / May, 2014 13