Tokat Dive Weaving Project Revives Women's Employment and Showcases Designs in Istanbul

Turkey's traditional Dive weaving from Tokat has been revitalised through a project under the "Turkey Weaving Atlas" programme, supported by the Presidency, Emine Erdoğan, the Black Sea Development Agency (OKA) and the Social Development Support Programme (SOGEP). A modern workshop was established at the Tokat Maturation Institute, where 18 women received a total of 355 hours of weaving training, 140 hours of fashion‑design instruction and 72 hours of entrepreneurship coaching. Three master teachers passed the qualification exam and were hired by the institute, while additional women will work from home on allocated looms, producing pieces for sale.

The newly created fabrics were combined with contemporary designs during a design camp organised by Istanbul Trade University’s Fashion and Textile Design Department. The resulting collection was presented at an Istanbul fashion show, bringing the region’s historic textile heritage to a national audience and aiming to sustain local livelihoods and cultural identity.