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A Journey into the World of Antiques with Doğan Antika
The world of antiques is a unique journey, where each piece carries traces of history and brings the spirit of the past to the present. Doğan Antika began this adventure before the pandemic and has turned it into a deep passion, expanding their collections throughout the country, starting from the Aegean region. In this interview, we explore the secrets of antiquing and delve into Doğan Antika's passion-filled story and experiences in the antique world.
How did your passion for antiques begin, and how long have you been in this field? Could you share your story?
Doğan Antika: We entered this field just before the pandemic. Initially, we collected small items like lighters and prayer beads. However, after the pandemic, we decided to expand our business. For about a year, we traveled through all the flea markets in the Aegean region, learning the ropes of the trade. During this time, Ottoman artifacts, in particular, excited us. Finding personal items of Sultan Abdülhamid or objects belonging to Fatih Sultan Mehmet has been one of the biggest thrills of this job. Our passion for calligraphy art is on a completely different level.
Everyone has a favorite category of pieces. Which antique items excite you the most?
Doğan Antika: Ottoman-era items and personal belongings excite me the most. For instance, swords, medals, fezzes belonging to pashas, or calligraphy materials prepared in Sultan Abdülhamid’s workshop are very valuable to me. Touching these kinds of items and feeling their history deeply moves me.
What excites you most about online auctions?
Doğan Antika: The most thrilling moments in online auctions are when you think a piece will be yours, and then someone places a higher bid at the last second. That breathtaking moment when the item slips away from you is an adrenaline rush that happens at every auction.
What criteria do you use to determine the value of an antique?
Doğan Antika: The most important factor in determining the value of an antique is its authenticity. Especially with Ottoman artifacts, these items reflect the spirit of collectors. An antique may have a minimal or maximum value, but the most important criterion is the meaning the collector attaches to it. Value varies depending on the collector and the dealer.
What advice would you give to beginners in antique collecting?
Doğan Antika: I recommend that those new to this field start as apprentices. It’s important to get support from professionals like us. Also, they need to be cautious about counterfeit and replica items, as there is a lot of fraud in this business. If a true antique collector doesn’t feel excitement for an item, they shouldn’t enter this field. Antiques are a culture, not just ordinary objects.
What has been the rarest or most unusual piece you've encountered so far?
Doğan Antika: One of the rarest items I've come across was an Ottoman plate I found in Sahilili, Manisa. I hadn’t acquired such a piece in a long time, and it truly excited me.
The Importance of Expertise in the Antique World
The insights and experiences shared by Doğan Antika provide a valuable guide for those interested in antique collecting. Antiquing is a journey that requires patience, knowledge, and deep passion. Doğan Antika's recommendations serve as a roadmap for those planning to step into this world. If you, too, are considering forging your path in the world of antiques, you can start this journey by following Doğa Antika's advice.
Download the Bidsee app to start exploring rare and valuable antique pieces. You can participate in online auctions and begin building your own antique collection!
