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Journey into the World of Antiques with Mehmet Bey, the Antique Dealer from Crete: Tips and Advice for Collectors
The world of antiques is like a window that opens to the depths of history. Each antique piece is an artwork of high cultural and historical value, carrying the stories of the past to the present. Mehmet Bey, the antique dealer from Crete, has been a part of this world for years and has added numerous rare pieces to his collection. In this interview, where we learn about Mehmet Bey’s journey into the world of antiques, his advice on collecting, and how he appraises valuable pieces, we embark on a journey into the depths of the antique world.
How did your passion for antiques start, and how long have you been involved in this business? Can you tell us about your story?
Mehmet Bey: I can say that my interest in antiques and the old began while examining my father’s collection of old prayer beads. In later years, while working in a shop, I had the chance to examine various cultural artifacts from different countries. In 2013, we moved to Mudanya, where we decorated a café we opened with antique decorative objects. With the rise of Instagram's popularity and customers wanting to purchase our cups, we began selling antiques. Over time, a part of the café turned into an antique shop, and in 2016, we held Bursa’s first auction in a salon. This journey has further strengthened our interest and passion for the world of antiques.
Everyone has a particular category of items close to their heart; which antique pieces are you most interested in?
Mehmet Bey: The category that holds a special place for us is Islamic artifacts. Coming from a background of the dervish lodge culture, we have a particular interest in this category. Especially items with spiritual significance, featuring religious figures and symbols, are very precious to us.
What criteria do you use to determine the value of an antique?
Mehmet Bey: One of the most important criteria in determining the value of an antique is its condition. The cleanliness, intactness, and rarity of an item are among the most crucial factors in determining its value. Rare and well-preserved pieces always have a higher value.
What advice would you give to beginners in antique collecting?
Mehmet Bey: My advice to beginners is to specialize in a specific category and collect the highest quality items in that category. This way, when they look back years later, they will see that they have valuable and special pieces. Instead of collecting everything, focusing deeply on a particular area and gathering the best pieces in that field is the key to building a more successful collection.
What has been the rarest or most unusual piece that has come into your possession so far?
Mehmet Bey: The rarest piece that came into my possession was a relic belonging to the last Islamic Caliph, Abdülmecid II. Among these relics was also a diary belonging to Duru Şeva Sultan. Since I didn’t know Ottoman Turkish at that time, we sought the help of a professor from Uludağ University to read these items. These pieces, rare and valuable as they are, also garnered great interest in the world of collecting.
The Importance of Specialization in the World of Antiques
The insights and experiences shared by Mehmet Bey, the antique dealer from Crete, are invaluable for those who are just stepping into collecting. Antique collecting is a process that requires proper knowledge, passion, and patience. As Mehmet Bey suggests, specializing in a particular field and accumulating high-quality pieces is one of the most crucial steps in this process. If you want to step into the world of antiques, you can pave your way by benefiting from Mehmet Bey’s experiences.
Download the Bidsee app to start discovering rare and valuable antique pieces right away. You can participate in online auctions and create your own antique collection!