Teknere

Teknere is a Turkish word that translates to "boat builder" or "shipwright". It refers to a person who constructs, repairs, or maintains wooden boats. Historically, teknere played a crucial role in coastal communities and along riverbanks, where wooden vessels were essential for transportation, fishing, and trade. The craft of teknere is a traditional skill that requires deep knowledge of woodworking, boat design, and material properties.

The construction process typically involves selecting appropriate types of wood, shaping the hull, and meticulously joining the various wooden components. This often includes planks, ribs, and keels, all carefully fitted to create a watertight and sturdy vessel. Teknere also possess the expertise to repair damaged boats, often by replacing rotten timbers or reinforcing weak sections. The skills of a teknere are passed down through generations, often through apprenticeships where younger individuals learn from experienced masters.

While modern boat building has largely shifted to synthetic materials and industrial manufacturing, the art of teknere remains important for the preservation of traditional wooden boats and for specialized boat restoration projects. The knowledge held by teknere contributes to the heritage and cultural identity of regions with a strong maritime history. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to the act of building or repairing a wooden boat.