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A Journey with an Antique Enthusiast: From Ottoman Magazines to Online Auctions
People involved in antiques take great pleasure in preserving traces of history and bringing the past to the present. Hakan Gedik (@antik.acilar) is one of those passionate individuals. His journey with antiques, which began with Ottoman magazines, has grown over the years into an extensive collection and deep knowledge. We had a delightful conversation with him to learn about how he stepped into the world of antiques, what experiences he has had along the way, and what advice he has for antique lovers.
How did your passion for antiques begin? How long have you been involved in this field? Could you share your story with us?
Hakan Gedik: My passion for antiques began during my university years. As a student of Turkish Language and Literature, I was collecting Ottoman magazines. A few antiquarians and collectors I met fueled my interest in old items even more. I was deeply impressed by their passionate and respectful relationships. I can't even describe the joy these grown men felt when they acquired tiny objects they had been collecting. I was also fortunate to be from Ankara, where I met some very important collectors who greatly influenced me. Later, when I started working in Antalya, I attended a few auctions there. I was particularly fascinated by Ottoman items. I didn't just collect items; I also started researching their histories. My interest in objects with a past began to grow steadily. My adventure, which started with Ottoman magazines and newspapers, gradually expanded.
Everyone has a category of artifacts that captures their heart. Which types of antiques interest you the most?
Hakan Gedik: I think Ottoman items and porcelain are my priority. I also try to incorporate these items into everyday life. For example, in my café (Chaplin Cafe), you might find an Ottoman soap dish in the bathroom. Your coffee will always be served in Ottoman cups. People told me, "They’ll break, you’ll lose money," but I didn’t listen to anyone. For two years now, nothing has broken. We serve our cologne in rose water sprinklers. I try to incorporate many other objects and traditions into daily life.
What excites you the most about online auctions?
Hakan Gedik: I get excited and, of course, happy when an item I really like ends up with me, especially if I get it at a good price.
What advice would you give to those just starting out in collecting antiques?
Hakan Gedik: My most important advice to my younger friends is to be selective. They shouldn’t buy every item they come across just because it's old. They should discover what they truly love and specialize in that. If they try to know everything and buy everything, they won't fully understand anything and won’t have a complete collection. It’ll be like a patchwork quilt.
Hakan Gedik’s fascinating journey with antiques shows how an interest in history and old objects can turn into a deep passion. If you also want to step into the world of antiques and discover unique pieces, the Bidsee app is perfect for you. Download it for free, start your own auctions, or begin bidding on intriguing antique items. Remember, with Bidsee, you can experience the excitement of online auctions anytime, anywhere!