They have been continuing cooperage, which is about to disappear, for 116 years.

BURSA (AA) – MUSTAFA YILMAZ – Continuing the cooperage tradition that started in 1910 in Bursa’s İnegöl district, the fourth generation representatives of the Erkuş family continue production despite the decreasing demand. Continuing the family business that started in the late Ottoman Empire, brothers Orhan and Burhan Erkuş continue to produce barrels using traditional methods with their 82-year-old father, Erdoğan Erkuş.

Wooden barrels, used to preserve water, olives, pickles, brines and various food products, continue to be used in certain areas despite the decreasing demand. Burhan Erkuş and his brother, who have the “Barrel Maker Mastery Certificate” issued by the İnegöl Chamber of Commerce and Industry, aim to pass on the profession to their children. – It is produced without the use of glue. Erdoğan Erkuş, who has been producing barrels for about 70 years, told the AA reporter that he still continues the profession he learned from his grandfather İlyas Erkuş.

Stating that the profession requires serious experience and precise calculations, Erkuş explained that waterproof barrels can be produced by shaping wooden boards and compressing them with metal hoops, without using any glue. Pointing out that the demand for barrels was higher in the past, Erkuş said, “We sometimes wait for customers for months. Unless this profession is practiced, it is forgotten. My children continue as the fourth generation.

I hope future generations will continue as well.” he said. – Demand from home and abroad Orhan Erkuş, who learned his profession from his father Erdoğan Erkuş, stated that they have been producing with his brother Burhan Erkuş since 1995. Stating that they learned cooperage from their father after returning from military service, Erkuş said that over the years, they have sent products to many European countries such as Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States by cargo, in addition to Turkey.

Underlining that he loves his job, Erkuş said, “We will continue production as long as our health allows. Our children also show interest. If they continue, the profession will be carried on to the fifth generation.” he said.