# Female entrepreneurship in Akçakoca historical market

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/female-entrepreneurship-in-akakoca-historical-market
> Updated: 2026-10-04T07:00:36.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 2.

Individual retirees in Turkey are transitioning personal hobbies into professional businesses through the Akçakoca Historical Neighborhood Market.

Dilek Altay, a former airport worker, developed silver craftsmanship skills over a decade for therapeutic reasons before establishing a business producing jewelry such as telkari. Her operations include workshops in Istanbul and Düzce, with sales conducted through social media and a dedicated shop in Akçakoca.

Güler Kiremitçi, also a retiree from Düzce, has spent three and a half years turning the craft of amigurumi—stuffed dolls made with tight stitching—into a professional trade. Operating from the same Akçakoca market, she highlights the venue as a space for female producers to build cultural solidarity and promote the local region.

## Claims

- Güler Kiremitçi turned her amigurumi hobby into a profession. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kiremitçi has been a tradesperson for approximately 3.5 years. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- She produces stuffed dolls using the amigurumi tight stitch technique. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Kiremitçi operates her shop at the Akçakoca Historical Neighborhood Market. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The market serves as a space for female producers to socialize and show solidarity. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-04: Güler Kiremitçi turns amigurumi hobby into professional business

Retiree Güler Kiremitçi has turned her amigurumi doll-making hobby into a professional business at the Akçakoca Historical Neighborhood Market in Turkey.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gler-kiremiti-turns-amigurumi-hobby-into-professional-business

### 2026-09-19: Dilek Altay turns silver craftsmanship hobby into professional business

Dilek Altay has turned a ten-year silver craftsmanship hobby, initially pursued for therapy, into a professional business with workshops in Istanbul and Düzce.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dilek-altay-turns-silver-craftsmanship-hobby-into-professional-business

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Cite as: Female entrepreneurship in Akçakoca historical market. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/female-entrepreneurship-in-akakoca-historical-market