He is an educator, a master, and a pioneer who carries the historical legacy of stone into the future… Since 1962, with his role as an instructor in the fields of stonemasonry and marble craftsmanship, he has touched countless lives. At the same time, he has elevated his practical knowledge to an academic level, making lasting contributions to the industry. From the Ankara Construction Institute to Çukurova University, from Adana to İzmir, throughout his professional journey, this esteemed figure has not only shaped stone but also people. Today, he remains a source of inspiration, guiding the younger generation. In this interview, we shed light on the past of stonemasonry with Ali Pancarcı and discussed his hopeful projects for the future.
Could you tell us a little bit about yourself for our readers who would like to get to know you?
I am a Construction/Building Technical Teacher. I graduated from the Ankara Building Institute, Department of Masonry, in 1962. I completed the Building Department at the Ankara Male Higher Technical Teacher Training School (Gazi University Faculty of Technical Education) in 1966. I served as a teacher at the Rize Construction Institute, the Adana Construction Institute Stonework Workshop, and vocational courses (1970-79), as a faculty member at Çukurova University, and as an author of technical books. Additionally, in 1975, the Adana Construction Institute and Technical High School won the World High School Football Championship. Throughout my educational career, I worked at various schools in Izmir and retired from Karşıyaka
How did your interest in marble and stonework begin? What was your first educational experience in this field?
My interest began with my admiration for the stone works of Mimar Sinan. This is why I chose stonemasonry. I started my education at the Ankara Construction Institute. In 1962, the curriculum included stonemasonry, stone craftsmanship, stone techniques, historical stone remains, and the application of stone in fine arts and construction. I worked on stone cladding projects with masters from Afyon and Kayseri
You graduated from the Stone Masonry Department of the Ankara Construction Institute in 1962. How was the stone masonry education at that time, and what differences do you see when compared to today’s system?
At that time, the education was very comprehensive and practical. Our school in Ankara served as the founding institution for other construction institutes. Today, this practical approach is lacking. Knowledge of stonework has decreased, and theoretical education is more prominent.
Who is a “qualified marble craftsman” in your opinion? What skills and qualifications should they possess?
A qualified marble craftsman is someone who can work with stone by hand and with machines, knows stone processing technology, and can pass this knowledge on to others when needed. They should be proficient in everything from processing marble blocks to cutting techniques and application areas.
What is the most needed profile in the marble sector today? What is the mismatch between the field and educational institutions?
There is a shortage of knowledgeable and skilled personnel in the preparation and application areas of the sector. There is a serious mismatch between educational institutions and the field. Education is lacking in terms of current technologies.
Could you tell us a little about the programs you implement within the framework of EU-compliant projects and “Lifelong Learning” courses?
Within the scope of the EU-compliant Ministry of National Education MEGEP Course Modules, we organize “Insulation Vocational Training Courses” in the field of Construction Technology, which are completely free of charge for everyone aged 17 and over. We also have suggestions and projects to implement this application as “Marble Vocational Training Courses.”
During the winter months, we are in Izmir due to the Izfas Marble Fair. We continue our education projects here during this period. In the summer months, we are in Afyon, the “Marble Capital,” due to the influence of the Afyon Kütük Marble Fair. We believe that an exemplary course could also be opened in Afyon during this period.
The presence of two strong female leaders in Afyon (our governor, Ms. Yiğitbaşı, who is a public relations expert, and our mayor, a lady known as “Şapkalı Efe”) has the potential to make these projects more effective and visible. Additionally, Afyon and its surroundings host seasonal agricultural workers due to Akşehir Cherry production. By including this community in our educational projects, we aim to provide supplementary support to earthquake-affected regions such as Urfa, Mardin, Diyarbakır, and Kahramanmaraş. This approach offers a comprehensive model that encompasses not only vocational education but also social responsibility.
What kind of education model would you suggest to make the marble craftsmanship profession attractive again?
I suggest an education model supported by current technologies, compliant with occupational safety and health regulations, practical, and integrated into the sector. It is particularly important to support this with projects within the scope of social responsibility.
What are your thoughts on the current state of the marble sector? What are your impressions from trade fairs?
While there has been an increase in quality at events like the İzfaş Fair, these developments have not been sufficiently reflected in practical applications. If we address this gap through education, the sector will see increased profits and interest.
Do you have any advice or a message for young people and students considering a vocational education path?
I congratulate the young people. Educational support is free throughout the country, and we are always by their side. Our project is not profit-oriented; it is a social responsibility initiative. We are working on EU projects.
+90 532 585 51 95
+90 532 585 51 95