Kemal Turmanidze Workshop: Wood Carving in Batumi Guide

What makes Georgian culture so unique? Of course, its traditions, passed down from generation to generation!

One of the most striking elements of Georgian art is wood carving. Georgian houses have always featured carved balconies, doors, chests, furniture and decorative panels decorated with complex patterns.

There is a unique place in Batumi where you can not only see traditional works of Georgian craftsmen, but also get acquainted with the process of their creation. This is the salon-workshop of Kemal Turmanidze, one of the most famous wood carvers in Georgia.

What awaits you in the workshop? What works are presented here? Let's find out!

History and activities of Kemal Turmanidze

Kemal Turmanidze - the keeper of the traditions of Georgian wood carving

Kemal Turmanidze is a true master of his craft, having dedicated decades to studying, preserving and developing the art of wood carving. He grew up in a family of craftsmen and from childhood watched his ancestors work.

Inspired by traditional Georgian ornaments, he began to create unique carved items, combining his own ideas with ancient woodworking techniques.

His work became famous far beyond Georgia. Turmanidze's works adorn museums, temples and private collections not only in Georgia, but also in other countries.

"Wood carving is not just a craft. It is a language through which you can tell a story, convey emotions and show the beauty of nature," says the master.

His workshop, located on the territory of the Borjgalo Ethnographic Museum, has become not only a place of creativity, but also a training center, where he passes on his knowledge to young masters, helping to preserve and develop the traditions of Georgian wood carving.

Exhibition and workshop

What can you see in the salon-workshop of Kemal Turmanidze?

The workshop presents various types of products made by hand by the master.

🔹 Carved panels — artistic compositions depicting national motifs, historical scenes and mythological characters.

🔹 Wooden sculptures — figures of animals, people and abstract works, executed with filigree detailing.

🔹 Decorative elements for interiors — carved balconies, columns, doors and window frames, which traditionally decorate Georgian houses.

🔹 Traditional Georgian chests and furniture — chests, chairs, tables, cabinets and shelves decorated with carved patterns, made in an old style.

🔹 Household items — wooden spoons, trays, cutlery and decorative plates.

The main feature of this place is that you can see how these works of art are created. Visitors can watch the master at work, learn the secrets of wood processing and even try themselves as a carver.

Folk crafts and traditions

Wood carving in Georgia is not just an artistic craft, but a real art with centuries-old traditions.

Turmanidze's workshop presents various carving techniques typical of the Georgian school:

🪵 👉 Relief carving - patterns are cut out on a flat surface, creating three-dimensional images.

🪵 👉 Deep carving - a technique in which images are literally "cut out" from wood, giving the works a special volumetric effect.

🪵 👉 Lace carving - the finest work, creating graceful, openwork patterns reminiscent of lace.

🪵 👉 Wood engraving - a technique for applying patterns using thin lines, reminiscent of a drawing on paper.

Turmanidze’s works are a unique combination of ancient traditions and modern wood processing technologies, which makes them not only a cultural value, but also sought-after interior items.

Practical information

📍 Address: 14 Sharashidze St., Batumi, Georgia

📞 Phone: +995 599 27 34 70

📲 Social networks:Facebook

🕒 Working hours: check by phone or on Facebook

The Kemal Turmanidze salon and workshop is a unique place where you can not only see Georgian crafts, but also truly immerse yourself in the world of wood carving.

Ancient traditions come to life here, and each item created by the master carries the soul of Georgian culture.

If you want to see how art is born and meet a real Georgian master, be sure to visit this workshop!