Edirne talika craft achieves national occupational standards

The traditional craft of Edirne talika, a type of spring-loaded horse carriage, has officially achieved national occupational standards in Turkey. This development was announced through a communiqué published in the Official Gazette by the Occupational Qualifications Authority.

Talikacılık is among the first eight traditional arts and crafts to receive these formal standards. The regulation aims to protect Turkey’s traditional crafts, establish quality benchmarks, and ensure these skills are passed down to future generations. Along with talika, other recognized crafts include ebru (marbling), paper cutting (kat’ı), felt making, illumination (tezhip), cane making, and yemenici (traditional footwear making).

Under the new classification, talika, ebru, paper cutting, felt making, calligraphy, and illumination are designated as level 6 professions, while cane making and yemenici are set at level 4. Özcan Abacı, a 61-year-old master craftsman and recipient of the ‘Living Human Treasures Award,’ noted that these standards will prevent unqualified individuals from practicing the craft and ensure authenticity through regulated training.