Osman Sadrazam was born in 1961 in Tepebaşı and also got married in this area. He has a daughter, a son, and four grandchildren. Born and raised in Tepebaşı, Sadrazam has spent his life making a living here through shepherding and practising crafts such as broom and topuz (a type of traditional handcraft).

Sadrazam grew up working with livestock alongside his nine siblings. In the conditions of that time, he had no opportunity to go to school, so he continued working in his family’s livestock business. In addition, making the brooms used to clean animal pens was known in the family as a craft. His father also worked as a broom maker, but Sadrazam’s interest in such handicrafts was much stronger.

At the age of 14–15, he voluntarily began learning broom-making from his uncle. He quickly mastered all the details of the craft and started making his first brooms by collecting his own materials. He has continued this trade enthusiastically ever since.

The main material he uses in broom-making is the handle, called a “fork” (çatal). The handle must have a forked end and can be made from carob, cypress, or citrus trees. He first heats the handles over a fire to straighten them, then files and sands them to make them smooth.

For the broom bristles, a plant called “tülümbe,” a type of thyme, is used. He travels with his tractor to the Akdeniz and Koruçam regions to carefully select the strongest and most uniform tülümbes. When he brings them home, he soaks the plants in water to soften them, making them less likely to break and easier to work with.

The tülümbes are placed between the forked handles and tightly bound with string using a large needle called a “çuvaldız.” In the past, a type of cord called “şinya” was used, but string is now preferred as it is more durable. After trimming the excess, the brooms are left under stones or bricks for 1–2 days to take shape.

Sadrazam says he takes care to use plenty of material when making brooms. He aims to make sturdy and full brooms to satisfy his customers. According to him, a well-used broom can last about a month, but if used incorrectly or if the bristles are damaged, it may wear out in just a few days.

He also notes that broom maintenance is important. In summer, brooms should not be left under the sun, as the bristles dry out and become brittle, breaking easily. In winter, they should be left outdoors so that the bristles soften in the rain, making sweeping easier and more effective.

Most of his customers bring their old brooms rather than requesting a new one. He renews the tülümbes and strings to make the brooms reusable. This practice prevents material waste and preserves the traditional craft of broom-making.

Although Sadrazam strives to continue this craft, broom-making is today one of the trades at risk of disappearing. Neither children nor the village youth wish to learn it. He sadly notes that the tradition he cherishes may vanish after him. Despite this, he has never lost his interest and curiosity in the craft and continues to practise it with the same love and dedication as on his first day, always adding a piece of himself to every broom.