13.09.2025 12:02
Amber extracted from the ground in Bayburt is processed in the workshop of master craftsman Bayram İpek and transformed into jewelry and prayer beads. While the extraction of this precious stone, which competes with gold in price per gram, is labor-intensive, İpek states that he contributes to the economy by collecting amber from different regions.
The amber extracted from the soil in Bayburt is transformed into jewelry and colorful prayer beads through laborious processes. Once used as fuel by villagers for many years, amber is now being brought into the economy as a valuable stone that competes with gold in price.
THE JOURNEY FROM SOIL TO WORKSHOP
Amber, which is fossilized tree resin, is processed in the workshop of Bayram İpek, the only stone craftsman in the city, after being extracted from nature. İpek, who works in his 20-square-meter workshop in the Butchers' Bazaar, cuts, sands, polishes, and finishes the stone into necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, and prayer beads.
"NOT EVERY STONE IS AMBER"
Emphasizing that it is difficult to distinguish amber in nature, İpek stated, "We extract the Bayburt amber, which competes with gold in price, from nature in its pure form and bring it to our workshop. However, this does not mean that every stone is amber; it is very difficult to understand in nature."
CONTRIBUTING TO THE ECONOMY
İpek, who states that he extracts amber in different colors from various regions of Bayburt, said, "Extracting amber and processing it into jewelry is a laborious job. I have been working for years, and I strive to bring these stones into the economy and present them to the public."