Manol Emmanuel Venios is recognized as one of the most famous and finest oud makers of the Ottoman era. He was born in 1845 in Ortaköy, Istanbul, and was of Greek origin. His first profession was furniture polishing. Later, he worked as a carpenter and eventually began crafting musical instruments in 1870. Master Manol specialized in making ouds and lavtas, and his reputation in oud craftsmanship has earned him a place among the greatest in history, with some even considering him the best. His most renowned apprentices include Hamza Usta, Bahriyeli Mustafa, and Victor de Kavalla.

The ouds crafted by Manol Emmanuel Venios still hold great value among oud players today. The backs of Manol ouds typically consist of 19 or 21 pieces.Master Manol developed unique methods and techniques, characterized by structural, physical, and material properties, as well as distinctive craftsmanship traits. A significant figure in the history of instrument making, Manol Usta is a world-renowned oud maker.