Necip Aksakal Revives Vintage Radios and Gramophones in Erzurum

Necip Aksakal, a 74‑year‑old electronics craftsman, has spent more than half a century repairing vintage radios, turntables, gramophones and tape reels in his modest shop on Memişağa Street—known locally as “80’s Street”—in the Yakutiye district of Erzurum, Turkey. He began as an apprentice in 1962, served 20 months of military duty, and opened his own workshop in 1974, where he continues to bring devices that are 40‑60 years old back to life.

Aksakal is one of the last specialists in Eastern Anatolia who can restore these obsolete technologies. He says nostalgia has spurred renewed demand, with customers sending equipment from across Turkey. He also notes a shortage of skilled technicians, explaining that mastering the trade takes years of hands‑on experience.