The Letters of Sakarya Book Sheds Light on the City’s Commercial Memory

The launch ceremony and exhibition of the book "The Letters of Sakarya," prepared under the leadership of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SATSO), was held. The book, which features painters and brush lettering that left a mark on Sakarya’s commercial life, was prepared by Assoc. Doç. Dr. Murat Ertürk. Alongside the introduction of the 425-page book, an exhibition showcasing the works in the book and the mastery stories of the painters was also opened.

Sakarya's Letters Book launch and exhibition opening

A memory passed from generation to generation

Speaking at the opening of the launch ceremony, SATSO Chairman of the Board A. Akgün Altuğ said: “We have always considered production, trade, and craftsmanship not only as material work, but as something that teaches goodness and honesty, gives cultural identity to the city, and is a memory passed down from generation to generation. In our book ‘The Letters of Sakarya,’ we see the traces of this cultural memory in sign painting, which comes to life through the handiwork and mastery of our valuable artisans. It is actually more than a painted sign; it was a signature left on shops, streets, avenues, and business inns through the letters drawn by the brushes of our artisans. We now better understand its value. Our book ‘The Letters of Sakarya’ was prepared to honor these precious craftsmen and to carry this treasure into the future. I sincerely thank Assoc. Doç. Dr. Murat Ertürk, our SATSO Publishing Board and Culture Commission, and our 12th Professional Committee, who contributed their opinions to our book.”

Member of Parliament for Sakarya, Ertuğrul Kocacık, also stated: “It would be very wrong to underestimate signboards, because they were an important tool that reflected the identity of our shops. There was no navigation back then, and in my professional life, we used to find our way according to shop signs. I congratulate everyone who contributed to bringing this meaningful work to life.”

Sakarya's Letters Book launch and exhibition opening 1

Assoc. Doç. Dr. Murat Ertürk said that between the 1940s and 1990s, the biographies, works, and this important tradition of craftsmanship of 48 painters were revealed through The Letters of Sakarya. Ertürk stated that after the 1990s, with the development of technology, handmade work gradually gave way to machines and automation. He emphasized that traditional methods gradually faded away and became history. Ertürk noted that with the support of SATSO, The Letters of Sakarya was prepared to record the tradition of craftsmanship and its works.