Ancient Hittite pots being turned into contemporary musical equipment.
In the heart of Nevşehir, Turkey, the Terra Kapadokya Women's Cooperative is making waves in the cultural scene with an innovative project that combines tradition and modernity. The cooperative, led by President Ferda Ustun, aims to create employment opportunities for young people, disadvantaged groups, and women, while preserving and innovating traditional crafts.
The cooperative, known for its concerts and public engagements, has recently embarked on a unique venture: transforming Hittite ceramic ring-handled jugs, a form that has existed in the region for centuries, into musical instruments. The project, dubbed The Anatolians Project, has received great appreciation from the Industry and Technology Ministry and the Ahiler Development Agency.
The resulting instruments, named 'Efdal', cover two octaves and are expected to be sold as souvenirs in the region with strong tourism potential. Each 'Efdal' instrument is handcrafted in the cooperative's workshop, with members meticulously drilling note holes into the jugs and firing them in a kiln to complete the process.
The concept behind the 'Efdal' instruments is simple yet ingenious. Depending on the size and placement of the holes, the instruments produce melodic sounds. The name 'Efdal' itself is derived from the Turkish word for 'holes'.
This project has been a long-standing dream for the cooperative. Ferda Ustun stated, "We are now turning the ring-handled Hittite jug into a musical instrument to contribute to the region and its cultural heritage." The cooperative members, including lecturers from Nevşehir Hacı Bektas Veli University (NEVU), shape ceramic clay using molds as part of the project.
The patent process for the side-blown flute has been completed, and the cooperative is now working on other products such as the clarinet, lyre, and cura. The academics are contributing to the preservation and revitalization of cultural heritage by adding a new dimension to the region's long-established ceramic and pottery tradition.
The Terra Kapadokya Women's Cooperative's mission extends beyond creating musical instruments. The project aims to engage with the local community to raise awareness about both the historical significance of the jugs and the innovative use of traditional crafts in modern contexts. The cooperative is also constructing a space for the production and sale of the 'Efdal' instruments.
As the 'Efdal' instruments continue to resonate with the public, the Terra Kapadokya Women's Cooperative is not just preserving a centuries-old tradition but also redefining it for the future.
The Terra Kapadokya Women's Cooperative, beyond creating musical instruments, aims to engage the local community and raise awareness about the historical significance of Hittite ceramic ring-handled jugs and the innovative use of traditional crafts in contemporary home-and-garden and lifestyle settings. As the 'Efdal' instruments gain popularity, the cooperative is not only preserving a centuries-old tradition but also redefining it for the future, blending tradition and modernity in the entertainment industry with these uniquely Anatolian musical creations.
