01.11.2026 10:41
Nazım Yozgut, living in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay, changed his name to Temel Reis by court decision 26 years ago because of his love for Laz people. Reis, 58, who learned carpentry from his father at the age of 15, has been carving wood for 40 years in the coffeehouse he runs; he sends elephant, mammoth, and horse figures all over Europe.
In the Reyhanlı district of Hatay, Temel Reis (58), who changed his name from Nazım Yozgut by court decision 26 years ago because he loved Laz people very much, has been shaping wood for 40 years. Reis sends the animal figures he produces all over Europe.
HE CHANGED HIS NAME BY COURT DECISION
Nazım Yozgut, living in Reyhanlı district, learned carpentry and wood carving from his father Hüseyin Yozgut, for whom he worked when he was only 15. Due to his love for Laz people, Yozgut also changed his name to 'Temel Reis' by court decision when he was 32. Reis, who has been shaping wood for 40 years in the coffeehouse he runs, sends works such as the 3D elephants and mammoths he produces not only to Turkey but also all over Europe.
Explaining that he got to know trees and shaped wooden materials thanks to his father, Temel Reis said, "I both run the coffeehouse and do wood carving here. I have a corner here. People sit behind me, drink their tea, and rest. I keep busy with wood. I also participate in Hatay Days events organized in Anatolia. In this way, I expand my network and find the opportunity to sell my works everywhere. I generally make animal figures and pattern art. My horse, mammoth, and elephant works attract the most interest."
THEY THINK I AM FROM TRABZON
Noting that the name 'Temel Reis' attracts interest around him, Reis said, "For years people have known me as Temel Reis. Sometimes people from Trabzon come up to me. They ask, 'Where in Trabzon are you from?' I tell them I am from Reyhanlı. I am Hatay's Temel Reis. People really like it."