Altınözü Cimemi craft preservation program launched in Hatay

The Hatay Metropolitan Municipality has launched a training program in the Altınözü district to preserve and pass down the traditional art of Altınözü Cimemi to future generations. Organized under the Akademi Hatay and HAKİM projects, the course focuses on teaching participants technical production methods, including material preparation, weaving, and product design.

The initiative emphasizes sustainability by utilizing wheat straw—a byproduct of the harvest—as a raw material. This upcycling approach aims to transform agricultural waste into valuable traditional products, promoting efficient resource use and providing a cost advantage through local materials.

Beyond cultural preservation, the program seeks to empower local residents by turning these artisanal skills into sustainable sources of income. Instructor Fatma Çapur noted that the program aims to ensure the continuity of this geographically indicated craft while supporting the economic empowerment of its participants.