Enes Cinkay

Servi Ciltevi

Bookbinder

The book doctor

Enes began restoring books as a hobby when he was 11 years old
He specilalises in Ottoman and European binding techniques
He regularly hosts workshops, sharing his expertise with book lovers

Enes Cinkay remembers a distinct moment when he was a child, in which he wondered how books could be repaired. It is a defining memory in his path towards becoming a master book restorer and binder, beginning with many trial-and-error attempts at a young age. Enes learned his craft alongside a master artisan and then studied book restoration at university. “I always use traditional techniques because I work with old books. I sew books in the traditional way. I bind books the way they used to be in the olden days, and only use modern and scientific techniques when necessary,” says the artisan. Enes opened his current atelier in 2020. With a specialty in 19th century Ottoman and 17th and 20th century European binding techniques, he also restores paper and leather, and creates handmade notebooks. “The idea that the books I restore and bind will last hundreds of years has been my greatest source of inspiration,” he adds. Enes is also inspired by the many people he meets who still love to read and collect books.

Interview

How do you express tradition and innovation in your work?: I advocate applying traditional methods to ancient books, however if these threaten to damage the book further, I do employ modern materials. In the past, many masters used the wrong materials and books ended up being damaged. While I adhere to traditional techniques, I do not adhere to the use of specific materials.
How would you define what you do?: There may be a sick book in your home or office. This book needs to be treated urgently. To treat it, you need to bring it to me, a book doctor. I am doing a job that will cure that book and ensure that it lives for a long time to come.
Can you tell us a memorable moment in your professional life?: A man once brought me a six-volume book collection from 1835. The books had been eaten by bookworms and many inside were still live. I worked on cleaning the books for a month, removing the worms from all the pages, washing them with purified water. When I was returned the books to the owner, he cried with joy to see that his father's inheritance had been saved. This is a memory I will never forget.
What would you advise a young person wanting to pursue your craft?: You need to read a lot of books. Anyone who does not read or like books cannot do this job. In addition, you need to know the bookbinding techniques of each culture, to have an understanding of art, even if it is at a moderate level. You need to know the history of paper and printing.

Enes Cinkay is an expert artisan: he began his career in 2014 and he started teaching in 2020