Kilis artisans preserve traditional handmade leather footwear craft

In Kilis, Turkey, traditional artisans continue to practice the craft of yemenicilik, the handmade production of leather footwear. Artisans Ahmet Özuslu and Adil Özuslu, who have practiced the trade for 45 and 60 years respectively, highlight the intense manual labor and patience required for the craft.

Because the process lacks mechanization, masters must work continuously at their stations to produce goods from cattle and small ruminant hides. The footwear is primarily a seasonal product used during the summer months.

Despite the longevity of the trade, the artisans expressed concern regarding the lack of interest from younger generations, noting that the craft is struggling to be passed down to successors.