Eyüp Karanfil awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage title in Izmir

Eyüp Karanfil, a calligraphy master based in the Konak district of Izmir, has been named an ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage Carrier’ by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism for 2025.

Despite facing difficulties with reading and writing during his primary school years, Karanfil developed a passion for the anatomy of letters while working as an apprentice in a printing house. He has since mastered the art of calligraphy, applying it to various surfaces including paper, porcelain, and wood within his shop in the historic Kemeraltı Bazaar.

Karanfil now focuses on preserving the craft by teaching students to ensure the art form is passed down to future generations.