Turkey's Municipal Programs Foster Home‑Based Craft Businesses

Mahir Gökbay Ersoy, a former graphic designer, opened a leather workshop in Malatya’s Temporary Trade Center in 2024 after completing several craft courses. He produces handmade leather accessories and teaches the techniques to others, keeping the traditional skill alive.

In Mersin, the Halkkent Vocational Training Center, operated by the city’s Social Services Department, provides free sewing courses. Mother Nahide Bakır used the training to turn her home into a production workshop, began receiving orders and highlighted the confidence and income the skill gave her. Both projects receive backing from local municipalities – Malatya Büyükşehir Belediyesi and Mersin Büyükşehir Belediyesi – and aim to preserve traditional crafts while creating new livelihood opportunities.