Traditional crafts face continuity challenges in Turkey and Syria

Traditional craftsmanship faces challenges and continuity efforts across different regions. In Burdur, Turkey, Orhan Leblebici, a 74-year-old master confectioner and the selected 'Ahi' of 2026, expresses concern over the lack of interest among younger generations in traditional trades. Having learned the craft of making sweets and walnut paste from his grandfather, Leblebici is preparing to pass the business to his son, the fourth generation of his family to hold the trade. He notes that while former apprentices often open their own shops, finding new apprentices who are not solely focused on immediate earnings remains difficult.

In Deir ez-Zor, Syria, 19-year-old Hamad Yahya Casım is working to preserve cultural heritage through traditional pottery. Having started learning the craft from his father at age seven, Casım now operates an atelier that produces goods for various Syrian provinces, including Aleppo. His work represents one of the first significant pottery projects in eastern Deir ez-Zor, helping to restore a local industry that previously relied on importing goods from other cities.