Turkish textile heritage empowerment

In July 2026, initiatives across Turkey sought to preserve traditional textile skills while providing economic opportunities for women. At the Eskişehir Olgunlaşma Institute, master instructor İnci Öz revived the historic hand‑embroidering of Turkish‑flag dowry chests, a craft that takes 15–20 days per piece. Simultaneously, a women’s prison in Erzincan launched a chamber‑backed workshop where inmates learn sewing and production for public‑institution contracts, aiming for post‑release employment.

A week later, the Turkey Weaving Atlas programme expanded the effort to Tokat, establishing a modern Dive‑weaving workshop at the Tokat Maturation Institute. Eighteen women completed extensive training in weaving, fashion design, and entrepreneurship, with some master teachers hired by the institute. The newly produced fabrics were showcased at an Istanbul fashion show, linking regional heritage to contemporary markets and further supporting local livelihoods.