Torluk: A tradition burning out

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Torluk: A tradition burning out | New York Photography Awards

The Last Flames of Torluk

Photographer Onur Coban’s raw photographic visual, "Torluk: A tradition burning out," transports viewers to the remote village of Kalfa Köy in Catalca, Istanbul, where an archaic skill persists amid changing times. This community is found in the heart of the northern forest in Catalca where they've been practicing the production of handmade charcoal for six centuries.

The tradition has been passed down through generations by preserving the knowledge and methods. It is estimated that approximately 200 villagers still dedicate themselves to the labor-intensive process in Kalfa Köy, a process of creating charcoal by arranging oak wood in a circular formation known as a "torluk."

Coban's photographs are a visual narrative that captures both the cultural heritage of the region and the real impact of modern challenges on an age-old way of life. His images vividly portray the archaic art and hardship that still exist behind this traditional craft. As seen in his photographs, Coban introduces viewers through his lens where he focuses on the charcoal burners' meticulous preparation of wood, the careful layering of dried paddy sticks and moist soil, and the controlled ignition of the torluk.

The torluk is usually set ablaze between 9 a.m. and noon, this is due to the fact of various reasons; it could be due to daylight availability, peak charcoal demands for various purposes, and the charcoal production time required for it.

The resulting visuals showcase the interplay of light and shadow, the rugged textures of charred wood, accompanied by the grime and ash on the faces of dedicated villagers, and the ambient glow that illuminates the scene. Coban's work brings a vivid detail of this traditional process that yields charcoal which is both a vital source of income for the community and a resource for various purposes from cooking to heating to other activities.

This craft once was capable of producing 8 tons of charcoal from 40 tons of wood, now in recent years, with irregular rainfall and high humidity it has resulted in a reduced yield of production to 5 or 6 tons instead. This change can be seen through his photographs where the visuals speak of the challenges experienced in this modern times.

Not only a mere documentary of the physical aspects of charcoal production, his work smoothly captures the emotional and cultural significance of this tradition as it faces the pressures of climate change, economic shifts and the burning out of tradition. Onur Coban invites the public to appreciate the lasting spirit of Kalfa Köy’s artisans and the beauty inherent in their craft.

"Torluk: A tradition burning out" serves as a visual chronicle of a heritage that can be seen in the present about the past. His visuals reveal a world where each carefully constructed torluk is a symbol of resilience and cultural pride. Coban's photograph series reminds viewers of the importance of preserving traditional methods that contribute to sustainable practices and minimal environmental impact. This action, which would eventually prove useful could very well be the only method when technology fails to work. His work challenges viewers to reflect on the importance of modern disruptions and to consider the value of safeguarding such enduring practices from going away like the title: A tradition burning out.