Women in Van preserve cultural heritage through leather craftsmanship

In the İpekyolu district of Van, women are participating in a leather craftsmanship course organized by the Public Education Center to preserve local cultural heritage. Under the instruction of master trainer Gülsüm Aysu, eight women are learning to repurpose discarded leather items such as old shoes, bags, and belts.

The participants transform these materials into modern functional items, including wallets, glasses cases, tablet and computer sleeves, and three-dimensional artworks. The designs incorporate historical motifs from the Urartu, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, as well as patterns inspired by the historical tombstones of Ahlat.

By blending traditional artistry with contemporary needs, the women are not only preserving a fading craft but also contributing to their family budgets through the sale of their handmade products.