Historical Turkish TV series ‘boost interest in swords and shields’

GAZİANTEP

Şehmus Kanlı, who has been working as a coppersmith in the southeastern Turkish province of Gaziantep for 39 years, has said interest in historic-style weapons has increased thanks to historical TV series. 

Kanlı, 55, who produces items such as swords and shields at his shop in the Bakırcılar Çarşısı (coppersmith bazaar), said his trade has been able to survive with a sales boost thanks to popular historical TV series. 

Speaking to the state-run Anadolu Agency, he said he started working as a coppersmith when he was a child. 

“I have been dealing with this job for as long as I could remember. I have never got bored of it. I was very upset that I could not attended college back when I was younger but now I think I was lucky. This profession is my passion,” Kanlı said. 

“I have been producing swords, shields, wedges, helmets, spears, etc. Nobody knew what they were and we were not able to sell too many products. People were just looking at them and leaving. These TV series have made our profession more popular and sales have increased. People often come to my shop and we talk for a long time. I personally watch historical TV series and then I develop the products with my imagination,” he added.