One-Man Show: Sparking Interest in Repair as Prices Rise
Ali Osman Aydın, the only umbrella repairman in the Izmit district of Kocaeli, has seen a surge in interest in his services due to the increasing prices of umbrellas. Aydın, who has been running his repair shop on Akça Cami Street in Ömerağa District for years, has become a well-known figure in the city for his unique profession.
Having learned the intricacies of umbrella repair from a master, Aydın emphasizes that it is not a job that can be learned through apprenticeship like car repair. Despite the challenges that come with the job, Aydın takes pride in serving the citizens of Kocaeli and helping them extend the life of their umbrellas.
With umbrella prices ranging from 150 TL to 1,250 TL, Aydın’s repair services start at just 10 TL and can go up to 150 TL, depending on the quality of the umbrella. This significant price difference has led many people to opt for repairs rather than purchasing new umbrellas, with some customers bringing in umbrellas that have been in their possession for years.
One of the major hurdles in umbrella repair, according to Aydın, is the availability of parts. He points out that all umbrellas sold in Turkey are manufactured in China, making it a challenge to find the necessary parts for repairs. Despite this obstacle, Aydın makes do by salvaging parts from broken umbrellas and utilizing them to fix others.
As the sole master in Kocaeli specializing in umbrella repair, Aydın takes pride in the reputation he has built in the community. Customers from different cities, such as Kozan, have even traveled to Kocaeli specifically to have their umbrellas repaired by Aydın. This recognition serves as a source of pride for Aydın, solidifying his status as the go-to expert for all umbrella repair needs in the region.
