# Turkish women entrepreneurship in traditional handicrafts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-women-entrepreneurship-in-traditional-handicrafts
> Updated: 2026-08-29T08:14:21.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Women in various Turkish regions are utilizing traditional handicrafts to establish small businesses and preserve cultural heritage.

In Samsun and Çorum, artisans have transitioned from studying arts such as candle making, ebru, and mosaic work into running commercial enterprises. These businesses range from local workshops to international operations that supply government institutions and export products to multiple countries.

In Van, women are participating in specialized courses to learn leather craftsmanship. By repurposing discarded materials, they create modern functional items that incorporate historical motifs from the Urartu, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, helping to preserve local traditions while contributing to family incomes.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-29: Women in Van preserve cultural heritage through leather craftsmanship

Women in Van, Turkey, are learning to upcycle old leather into modern accessories featuring ancient Urartu, Seljuk, and Ottoman motifs to preserve local cultural heritage.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/women-in-van-preserve-cultural-heritage-through-leather-craftsmanship

### 2026-08-25: Turkish women transform traditional handicrafts into small businesses

Women in Turkey are transforming traditional handicrafts, such as candle making and mosaic art, into professional businesses and international trade opportunities.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkish-women-transform-traditional-handicrafts-into-small-businesses

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Cite as: Turkish women entrepreneurship in traditional handicrafts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkish-women-entrepreneurship-in-traditional-handicrafts