Mustafa Durmuş preserves culture in historic Bayburt mill

In the Çatıksu village of Aydıntepe, Bayburt, a historical water mill has transitioned from a functional grain mill to a cultural gathering space. The owner, 78-year-old folk poet Mustafa Durmuş—known locally as ‘Aşık Emi’—operated the mill for 30 years after purchasing it approximately 50 years ago.

Due to the rise of electric mills and a decrease in water levels, Durmuş ceased milling grain about 20 years ago. Despite the loss of its original industrial purpose, he has maintained the historic stone and wood structure, converting a section of it into a room for his literary pursuits.

Durmuş, whose poems were published in the book ‘Karkamer Divanı’ by Assoc. Prof. Hasan Aktaş, uses the mill as a venue to host villagers, share his poetry, and engage in cultural discussions. He continues to write new literary works within the historic site.