14.02.2026 11:05
Bayram Gaspak, a barber in Malatya who developed an interest in old radios after receiving an antique radio as a gift, left his profession 10 years ago to become an antique dealer. Gaspak said, "I took the gifted radio for maintenance. Later, my curiosity about radios increased. While doing research, I traveled to 60 provinces. I started collecting radios. As the number of radios I collected increased, I created a small collection."
Bayram Gaspak, who runs a hair salon, was gifted an antique radio by a friend 10 years ago. With the radio, Gaspak developed an interest in antiques and began collecting old radios to display at his workplace.
HE QUIT HIS JOB TO BECOME AN ANTIQUE DEALER Over time, Gaspak accumulated dozens of radios and opened a shop to showcase the antique radios, leaving his profession behind. During this time, he encountered many antique products that carry the traces of history, and he takes great care of radios that have been preserved from the 1950s to the present day. With over 30 radios and various antique items, Gaspak not only maintains his belongings but also conducts online auctions at his business.
"A GIFT CHANGED MY LIFE" Gaspak, who stated that he left hairdressing due to his interest in antiques that started 10 years ago, said:
"My love for radios began when an elderly uncle gifted me a radio. I took the gifted radio for maintenance. Later, my curiosity about radios increased. At that time, I had no knowledge about radios. I started researching the history of radios. While conducting research, I traveled to 60 provinces. I began collecting radios. As the number of radios I collected increased, I formed a small collection. I could no longer focus on hairdressing because I was busy with radios, so I left my profession and opened a small business to showcase my radios. I met with curious collectors and increased my experiences. I spend a large part of my time with radios. Because you can't get up from them; they take you away from yourself, and you lose track of time. I don't like the digital age anymore. Because the sound quality in these is not present in digital ones. Technology has advanced so much that people have started to long for the past. Radios started in the 1920s with medium wave and long wave, and FM was invented in the 1950s. Since medium and long wave frequencies are not currently received, radios produced after 1950 with FM are preferred more. The longing of people for the past is very beautiful. They should never give up their longing for the past. Because the past reflects our future," he said.