Abdulkadir Ayus is exactly 62 years old and has been living in the magical world of antiques since the age of 9.

Born in the Suriçi Hançepek Neighborhood, which is synonymous with the historical texture of Diyarbakır, Ayus’ story draws attention with his antique adventure that began with curiosity and turned into a way of life.

From apprenticeship to mastery: The journey that began with Armenian Master Anto

Starting as an apprentice to Armenian coppersmith and antique dealer Anto, who lived in his neighborhood when he was only 9 years old, Ayus learned the intricacies of this job for exactly 11 years.

After his military service, he set out on his own with antiques he collected from the flea market set up in his neighborhood.

A piece of Diyarbakır’s history flows from his shop

Ayus, who moved his antique shop, which he operated in Bağlar district for many years, to Gazi Street, closer to the neighborhood where he was born and raised, now tries to keep Diyarbakır’s memory alive every day.

His shop houses hundreds of historical items, from copperwork to rugs, from wooden chests to gramophones.

“There is Armenian and Kurdish craftsmanship, let this history not be lost”

Abdulkadir Ayus sees antiques not only as a trade, but as a responsibility to protect a culture:

“Most of these items have Armenian and Kurdish craftsmanship. I am protecting a history. I don’t want Diyarbakır’s history to be lost.”

“Foreign tourists come, they look and cry. I say, ‘These are the craftsmanship of our grandfathers.’ But the people here are indifferent. I want everyone to take care of their own stones and belongings. If these valuable items are lost, we are lost too.”

“If a person does not know his history, his language, and himself, that person is not human.”