Erzurum's Hande Ökten Breaks Gender Norms as Female Döner Master

Hande Ökten, a 26‑year‑old graduate of Atatürk University’s International Trade program, opened a chicken döner and köfte shop on Terminal Street in Erzurum about three months ago. She learned the craft by watching seasoned cutters, later passed the professional master’s exam and now operates the shop with a certified skill.

Customers are surprised to see a woman slicing döner, often stopping to look and sharing the sight with others. Ökten says the trade has no gender, encouraging women to pursue any field. Local car‑rental operator Yasin Müniroğlu praised her initiative, saying the community is proud of her pioneering effort.