Ankara-based master bookbinder Mehmet Karsli has dedicated sixty years to the preservation of Ottoman bookbinding. Since his early training in a Hacettepe workshop, he has worked to maintain the rigorous standards of this ancient craft.
A single lettering error demands a total restart
Mehmet Karsli, born in 1951 in the village of Musalikalesi, has spent six decades refining a discipline that leaves no room for error. His work in Ankara is defined by a level of perfectionism that many modern manufacturers would find impossible. According to the report, if a single mistake occurs during the lettering phase, Karsli does not attempt a correction; instead, he discards the entire cover and begins the process anew. This commitment to excellence is rooted in the belief that bookbinding is a craft of the "unseen," where the structural integrity beneath the surface is just as important as the outward beauty. His lifelong fascination with paper quality, which began during his youth, continues to drive his meticulous approach to every manuscript he touches.
From the Hacettepe workshop to Seljuk-era traditions
The traditions Karsli practices are deeply connected to the Seljuk and Ottoman eras, specifically the techniques developed in historic palace workshops. these methods were traditionally used alongside calligraphy and mini-painting to create cohesive, high-status works of art. While modern bookbinding has largely transitioned to efficient, machine-based methods , Karsli’s work in Ankara serves as a living archive of these ancient aesthetic traditions. His journey from a young apprentice in a Hacettepe workshop to a master craftsman illustrates the deep expertise required to maintain a legacy that has shaped cultural history for centuries.
The intricate assembly of the shamsa and leather covers
The construction of an Ottoman-style book is a multi-stage labor of patience and precision. As the source describes, the process begins with a thorough dry cleaning of the manuscript, followed by the repair of any torn sections and the careful re-sewing of pages. Once the foundation is set, the craftsman must thin and shape leather to create a cover that is both durable and beautiful. The spine is rounded, the edges are trimmed, and a sturdy board is prepared to support the weight. A defining characteristic of this style is the shamsa, a rosette motif that can feature either vegetal or geometric patterns, which is often paired with a hand-woven headband at the top and bottom of the spine.
Who will inherit the shamsa and hand-woven headband?
While Karsli remains a dedicated student of his own craft, the report leaves several critical questions regarding the survival of these specific Ottoman techniques. It is unclear if there is a formal pipeline of apprentices in Ankara currently studying under masters to ensure these skills are passed down to a new generation.. Furthermore, the source does not address whether the demand for such labor-intensive, manual restoration is sufficient to compee with the speed and low cost of modern , machine-led book production .
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