Training center in Türkiye’s Hatay revives silkworm craft

Training center in Hatay’s Defne district revitalizes the traditional silkworm profession, employing women and transforming cocoons into clothing using traditional handlooms

In Hatay’s Defne district, a training center has been established to empower women through employment opportunities and revive the traditional silkworm profession. The center focuses on transforming silks produced by silkworms, which are active for 45 days a year, into clothing using traditional hand looms.

Under the leadership of Fulya Kadioglu, women are employed in the training center established by Defne Municipality in order to revive silkworm breeding, a profession that has sunk into oblivion in Hatay’s Defne district. Silkworms, which spend most of the year sleeping, stay awake for 45 days during the awakening process that starts in April. During the approximately 30-day feeding and 15-day production process, silkworms produce cocoons. Providing information about the life cycle and care of silkworms, Kadioglu explained the difficulties and subtleties of this field. The products from the traditional handlooms are exhibited as shawls and scarves and offered for sale at prices suitable for every budget.

Training center to revive forgotten silkworm craft

Fulya Kadioglu, who established a training center aimed at creating job opportunities for women, emphasized the revival of the forgotten profession of silkworm breeding and weaving.

She stated, “We breed silkworms and weave silk here. Our training center focuses on empowering women through employment in this traditional craft.”

Kadioglu explained the meticulous process involved, highlighting the 45-day cycle of silkworm rearing, where the insects feed solely on mulberry leaves for 35 days, undergoing periodic sleep phases crucial for healthy cocoon formation. She stressed the importance of maintaining specific temperature and humidity conditions for the silkworms to thrive.

Kadioglu described the intricate process of harvesting silk threads from cocoons, with approximately 60 cocoons required to produce one strand of yarn. The products, including shawls and scarves woven on hand looms, are showcased for sale, catering to various budgets.

Source: Newsroom