| Art Profile |
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Refa Gökbulak was born in Ahlat in 1969. He started making Ahlat canes beside his father in 1986. During the time he was an apprentice, Gökbulak learned everything about how to make canes: how to distinguish walnut trees and animal horns; how to dry them; polishing techniques; and shaping and decoration. He also developed his skill and knowledge on carving and engraving techniques. Since 1992 Gökbulak has concentrated on making Ahlat canes with different forms and decoration, keeping their original character. He has participated in many fairs, festivals and group exhibitions to introduce Ahlat canes.
Gökbulak made canes for important leaders in Turkey and abroad: the 8th President of the Republic of Turkey, Turgut Özal; the 9th president of the Republic of Turkey, Süleyman Demirel; the 10th President of the Republic of Turkey, A. Necdet Sezer; 50th, 51st and 52nd Turkish Prime Minister, Tansu Çiller; 53rd and 55th Turkish Prime Minister, Mesut Yılmaz; today’s Turkish Prime Minister, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan; the 42nd President of United States of America, Bill Clinton; and foreign ambassadors, chiefs of General Staffs, commanders of the Turkish army, cabinet officers, members of parliament, university presidents and statesmen.
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