Coppersmithing

Coppersmithing, known in Bulgarian as bakardzhiystvo or mednikarstvo, is an old Bulgarian craft whose history can be traced to the ancient Thracians. The Thracians are regarded as renowned masters of copperworking. The craft reached its peak during the Bulgarian National Revival, when numerous coppersmithing centres developed in towns such as Veliko Tarnovo, Sofia, Shumen, Plovdiv, Prilep and Ustovo. Copper vessels became an important part of Bulgarian daily life, and masters trained during this period created beautifully crafted objects that still inspire admiration today.
Coppersmithing, like many other crafts, was passed down through generations, helping preserve its traditions over the years.
Important tools used in coppersmithing included bellows, muliya, tsitsiya, wooden and iron hammers, a working support known as a magare, chasing tools and others. Initially, the masters cast the copper sheets themselves before shaping them into vessels; later, sheets began to be imported from Constantinople. After joining the parts into a single object, the craftsmen proceeded to the finishing stage, decorating it using various techniques. The preferred method involved heating and hammering the copper with different hammers, although an awl or acid was sometimes used.
Coppersmithing specialised in making household vessels and church utensils, taking advantage of copper’s malleability and high thermal conductivity. Coppersmiths made various kinds of vessels, including shallow dishes, candlesticks, small cups, cezves, large jugs and cauldrons, used in different production processes and for storing liquids.
In the past, copper vessels became a favoured wedding gift because they were believed to convey a wish for warmth and comfort to the newlyweds. Bulgarians also believe that the best coffee is made in copper cezves and that rakia warmed in a copper vessel is unsurpassed in taste and aroma.