# Women entering traditional trades in Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/women-entering-traditional-trades-in-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-19T15:36:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Women in Turkey are increasingly entering and succeeding in traditional trades and industrial roles historically dominated by men.

In Erzurum, Hande Ökten, a university graduate, became a certified döner master after learning the craft through observation and passing professional exams. Her presence in the trade has drawn significant attention from customers and local community members.

Other examples of this trend include Saniye Şenlik, who has operated a tailoring business in Yüksekova for approximately 30 years, and Nursena Kandemir, a student in Samsun working as a lathe operator. These women advocate for professional pursuits based on talent rather than societal prejudices, with Kandemir stating that ‘women can do every profession.’

## Timeline

### 2026-08-19: Women in Turkey challenge gender norms in traditional trades

Women in Turkey are breaking gender barriers in traditional trades, including a long-term tailor in Yüksekova and a young lathe operator in Samsun.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/women-in-turkey-challenge-gender-norms-in-traditional-trades

### 2026-07-23: Erzurum's Hande Ökten Breaks Gender Norms as Female Döner Master

Erzurum’s 26‑year‑old Hande Ökten, a trade graduate, opened a döner shop, earned a master’s certificate, and draws attention for being a woman in a traditionally male trade.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/erzurums-hande-kten-breaks-gender-norms-as-female-dner-master

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Cite as: Women entering traditional trades in Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/women-entering-traditional-trades-in-turkey