Turkish artisans preserve cultural heritage through traditional crafts

Artisans recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism are working to preserve Turkey’s intangible cultural heritage through traditional crafts and education.

In Kütahya, artist Zekiye Eröz uses cloth dolls to showcase and pass down regional clothing cultures, specifically from the mountain villages of Tavşanlı, Domaniç, and Simav. She emphasizes that these traditional garments, often made from natural wool and cotton, reflect a lifestyle closely connected to nature.

Additionally, craftsman İrfan Uğurlu has spent approximately 25 years producing handmade wooden toys. He focuses on using entirely natural materials without chemicals to ensure child safety, while also training apprentices to ensure the survival of the craft. He encourages families to prioritize handmade, natural products over mass-produced synthetic alternatives.