Sulejman Hrgić

Copper and coffee

• Sulejman is one of Bosnia’s youngest coppersmiths
• One of his trademarks is traditional coffee pots
• He helped make the famous giant coffee pot in 2004

Tucked away in one of Sarajevo's most charming streets, Kovači, where the sound of local potters' hammers can still be heard, Sulejman Hrgić's miniature studio hosts numerous souvenirs, pieces of jewellery and paintings he has made of copper. It was here that the young artisan learned his craft and today runs his shop. Back in 2004, his teacher – one of Sarajevo’s well-known coppersmiths – asked Sulejman to help make a giant coffee pot that competed for the Guinness World Records and that’s how he became a part of his city’s history at young age. People are usually surprised to see a young person practising his craft, he does not match the profile of a typical traditional Sarajevo craftsman in appearance or in his manner of work.

Interview

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

How would you define what you do?

Although I am quite young, I have been in this business for about two decades. When I say that, I feel older than I am. It is my job and my passion.

Do you train others in your craft?

Yes, my partner gave me the idea of holding classes in my workshop where groups of visitors can learn the basics and make their own copper souvenir. Apart from foreigners, there are also local people who participate.

What is a memorable moment from your professional life?

One of the most beautiful memories is making a giant coffee pot with fellow craftsmen. Not only am I still one of the youngest coppersmiths, but I participated in this historical endeavour at a very young age. I’m very proud of it.

Where is the giant coffee pot now?

It moves around, the company that commissioned us to make it uses it to serve coffee at various public events in the country where it is always the main attraction. As far as I know, over 100,000 cups of coffee can be served from that coffee pot.

Sulejman Hrgić is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2006 and he started teaching in 2023

Works

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Haris Čalkić ©Michelangelo Foundation

Where

Experiences

Introduction to copper smithing in Sarajevo

45 Mins

25 EUR per person