21.11.2025 10:52
Cengiz Semerci, a 50-year-old retired health worker living in the İskilip district of Çorum, started making miniatures and models from waste materials as a hobby 20 years ago. Semerci turned this passion into a professional career. So much so that he now sells his highly sought-after miniatures to customers abroad.
50-year-old retired health worker Cengiz Semerci, who lives in the İskilip district of Çorum, started to engage in diorama (miniature) art as a hobby about 20 years ago, inspired by a friend who worked in handicrafts. Starting to create miniature paintings and various types of models, Semerci gradually developed his skills and took his hobby to a professional level.
SELLING ABROAD
After retiring, Semerci opened his workshop in the historical bazaar of İskilip, where he both creates miniatures and models and showcases his products. Using the space as an exhibition area, Semerci spends a large part of his day there. By showcasing his works on social media, he began to attract interest from people in different countries. Semerci stated that he sends the products he makes on order to his customers abroad.
"THE WORK I STARTED AS A HOBBY BECAME MY PROFESSION"
Providing information about his miniature art, master artist Cengiz Semerci said, "This art is known as diorama. Diorama is a miniature art form. It is a technique of depicting an event, a situation, or a scene using small figures and models. This art first emerged in the Far East and later spread all over the world. Honestly, I didn't expect this work to progress to this extent. I thought, 'I can do it too' after seeing the models made by a friend, and I started as a hobby. I took my first steps with small projects and have been working on this for about 20 years. At first, I worked at home, and after retiring, I opened my workplace. I come in the morning, and before I know it, it's evening; I lose track of time. This work, which I started as a hobby, has now become my profession," he said.
"I HAVE CUSTOMERS FROM AMERICA, ITALY, AND SOUTH KOREA"
Stating that all kinds of materials can be used in diorama art, Semerci said, "It is possible to use all kinds of materials in diorama art. I primarily utilize a material called 'decota' used by advertising companies. In addition, I create very different products using wood, plastic, and various waste materials. Initially, I couldn't promote myself much, but over time, thanks to social media, I was able to sell even abroad. I have customers from America, Italy, and South Korea. I receive special orders from them, preparing the diorama works they want, or there are those who like the models I make and place orders. I send them via cargo, and they are very satisfied. I also do special projects. For example, there are those who want to have models made of their old houses or workplaces. I can create those places by looking at photos," he explained.
"DIORAMA ART IS A FIELD THAT GIVES PEACE TO PEOPLE"
Semerci expressed that everyone can visit his workshop and examine the miniatures he has made, saying, "Very different people come to my workplace. This place is not just a sales location; it is also like a small museum where people can visit and return to their childhood. I spend time here, and it makes me happy that people appreciate the products I make. Diorama art is a field that gives peace to people. While engaging in this art, one can almost throw away the negativity in their mind. Instead of spending free time in coffee corners, especially people my age or younger or older should engage in such work to keep their minds active. Even someone with the slightest manual skill can create works. If there are those who are curious, I will try to help as much as I can," he stated.