Lütfü Uğur

Lütfü Uğur, a 57-year-old wood craftsman from the rural Harmanalanı neighborhood in Keles, Turkey, has gained recognition for his unique 'tongurdaklı' spoons, which are crafted from various woods and feature intricate designs. His interest in spoon-making began in 1993 after he was captivated by the performance of a dancer using these spoons at a wedding. Uğur meticulously shapes and carves the spoons, which are essential in local folk dances, contributing significantly to the preservation of cultural heritage in the region.