Turkish sculptor's boat becomes culture center

BODRUM – Doğan News Agency

İlhan Koman bought the boat Hulda in 1958 and used it as a house and atelier until 1986. The boat is one of the world’s oldest dry cargo boats.

World renowned Turkish sculptor İlhan Koman’s 110-year-old boat, which was brought to Turkey from Sweden by his son after his death, will turn into a culture and arts center. The boat, anchored in Bodrum harbor, can still float thanks to its sails.  

Koman, who moved to Sweden in 1958, bought the boat and used it as a house and atelier until 1986. Named “Hulda,” the boat is one of the world’s oldest dry cargo boats. 

Following his death, the boat was taken to a harbor in Sjotorps city. 

Koman’s 64-year-old son, Ahmet Koman, brought the boat on a 12,000 kilometer journey five years ago to Istanbul before moving on to Bodrum in the western province of Muğla. The boat, 90 percent of which is still strong, drew great interest from tourists. 

The boat will host cultural events 

The Chamber of Shipping provided support so the boat could remain in the Bodrum harbor. It was reported the boat will join the International Bodrum Cup Sailboat Contests and host various cultural and art events throughout the summer. 

İlhan Koman Foundation President Ahmet Koman said work had begun so the Hulda could host scientific, cultural and art events in Bodrum. 

“This boat, which had been home to my father for a half-century, has become our home, too. We sometimes entered wooden yacht competitions. 

Serious support needed

My prior goal is to use this boat to train young sailors and to host events. The number of such boats is pretty high on the world’s seas. We can keep this boat alive with serious support,” he said. A festival featuring artistic workshops has been organized under the boat’s name since 2010.