Turkish craft revival and recycling

In late June 2026, artisans in Bafra began reviving the production of traditional zembil bags, a heritage craft of the region. Within the following month, the movement broadened as Bilgenur Güngör, a weaver from Çayeli in Rize province, gained national recognition for converting discarded plastic bags, corn husks and textile waste into woven fabric. Designated an “Intangible Cultural Heritage Carrier” by Turkey’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Güngör blended historic Rize cloth techniques with recycled materials, creating durable picnic sets, clothing, prayer mats, beach gear and machine‑washable bags. Her work, displayed at the Altındağ Open‑air Museum in Ankara, drew public attention and underscored a grassroots approach that links cultural preservation with modern sustainability challenges. Together, these snapshots illustrate a growing trend in Turkey of re‑energizing traditional handcrafts while incorporating recycled resources and environmental awareness.