Edin Kazaz

The contemporary coppersmith

• Edin is one of the few remaining coppersmiths of Sarajevo
• His grandfather was a well known coppersmith
• The first object he made himself was a copper tray

By day, Edin Kazaz is a coppersmith with a workshop located in the heart of Sarajevo's Old Town, where artisans have been making Turkish-style coffee pots and other oriental cookware for the past 500 years. At night, he works as a sound editor on Bosnian radio and television. Edin gained an interest for his craft by watching his grandfather – a famous Bosnian craftsman – and acquired his skills from his grandfather's students and contemporaries. Despite the fact that the number of his fellow craftsmen in Bosnia and Herzegovina is constantly decreasing, Edin continues to shape copper and tin on an open fire, hoping that his work will help keep this disappearing craft alive.

Interview

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Why did you choose this craft?

I grew up with coppersmithing watching my grandfather, but as a child I had other interests. It was only when I was an adult that I decided to learn the craft. Unfortunately, my grandfather had already passed away but his students taught me what they learned from him.

When and how did you actually start?

I started doing it in 1999. In the beginning, I worked from home or in the workshops of other craftspeople. I learned the craft and absorbed knowledge from them and, step by step, I began to feel more confident at my own craft.

What was the first object you made?

It was a traditional Bosnian tray, the so-called “tabla”. I still remember it quite well. I make similar "tabla" even today. It was quite hard, but after overcoming that initial challenge, anything else I made was easier to me. I later sold the tray.

When did you open your own workshop?

It was in August 2000: I opened my workshop in Sarajevo's historic craft neighbourhood. I hesitated, but a friend somehow made me do it. It turned out pretty nice and I had nothing to complain about, until the pandemic started.

Edin Kazaz is an expert artisan: he began his career in 1999

Works

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Where