Mahmut Yağmur was born in 1953 in Darende, Malatya. He currently resides in Gönyeli and continues to work as a professional quilter. In 1968, Mahmut’s family migrated to Tarsus, Mersin. His father could not afford to send him to school, but his mother was determined that he should learn a craft. Everyone in his family is engaged in a trade, his siblings include a machinist, a builder, and others working in skilled professions. Mahmut Yağmur learned the art of quilting in Tarsus during an eight year apprenticeship. For the first three years, he worked without pay, patiently mastering the delicate craftsmanship of the trade. After completing his military service, he opened his own shop in Tarsus and began working independently. One day, he visited Cyprus as a tourist, unaware that this trip would change his life. Realising that his craft had a place and value on the island, he decided to settle here in 1979. He migrated to Cyprus alone, opened his first shop in Gönyeli, and worked there as a quilter for twelve years. In 1991, he moved his business to Nicosia Walled City, where he has continued to work ever since. Having practised this craft for nearly 60 years, he still applies the fine techniques he learned back in Tarsus. In his shop, he works by hand and uses 100% cotton for all his quilts. He sources his materials from Turkey, a friend from Gaziantep brings him around 9–10 kilos of cotton each time he visits.

The quilting process begins with stitching the fabric pieces on a sewing machine, followed by opening and fluffing the cotton using a special cotton machine. Around 80% of his customers bring in their old quilts to be repaired rather than ordering new ones. Most people prefer to have their old quilts restored, but occasionally he creates new, patterned quilts. He decorates these with motifs such as peacocks or three-leaf clovers, based on the customers’ tastes and requests. His detailed and masterful stitching has become a signature of his craftsmanship. According to Mahmut, a well cared for quilt can last up to 30 years. He often repeats a Turkish saying that reflects his philosophy: “If you care for it, it becomes a garden; if you neglect it, it turns into a mountain. / Bakarsan bağ olur, bakmazsan dağ olur. ” Through this, he reminds people of the value and longevity of handmade crafts. In his younger years, he also had a great passion for music. He loved the saz (a traditional Turkish string instrument) and enjoyed singing folk songs with his strong voice and natural musical talent. However, his father was against him pursuing this path, so he couldn’t pursue music further and only performed it for a short time during his youth. Although retired, Mahmut continues to work tirelessly to ensure that this traditional craft does not disappear. He believes he may be the only practising quilter left on the island. His greatest concern is that he has not found an apprentice to whom he can pass on his skills, meaning the craft may fade away after him. Today, Mahmut Yağmur stands as one of the last masters of a dying art, keeping alive the tradition of quilting, woven with patience, dedication, and the spirit of craftsmanship.

Phone: +905338448981
Address: Selimiye Square No.3
Location: Google Maps