Women’s hands shape Diyarbakir’s heritage in clay, color
Women artisans engrave iconic city landmarks onto handmade pottery, in Diyarbakir, Türkiye, Aug. 13, 2024. (AA Photo)
Women in Diyarbakir are revitalizing the city’s historical and cultural heritage through pottery and ceramics. A vocational training program at the Sur District Governorate Family Support Center (ADEM) has empowered 13 women to create traditional jugs and pitchers using clay and earthenware.
These pieces are adorned with figures representing the city’s landmarks such as the historic city walls, Ickale Museum Complex, Great Mosque, Ongoz Bridge, and Hasanpasa Inn.
Cultural promotion and economic contribution
The diverse shapes and colors of jugs and pitchers crafted by these women are intended to promote Diyarbakir, appealing to both local and international tourists.
Ilknur Demirel, project coordinator at ADEM, mentioned that the goal is to promote these ceramic and pottery works both nationally and internationally. Demirel also highlighted that the trainees are already generating income by fulfilling orders placed through social media.
Social media and local festivals
Demirel stated that preparations are underway for the Sur Cultural Route Festival to be held in October, where the jugs and pitchers featuring Diyarbakir’s historic structures and figures will be used in launches, exhibitions, and workshops.
She noted that these efforts provide economic benefits to the trainees and broaden the city’s cultural heritage to a wider audience.
Trainees’ perspectives
Trainee Aynur Ates expressed that the training has provided them with the opportunity to gain vocational skills. She mentioned that working on jugs and pitchers with Diyarbakir’s symbolic structures also allows them to learn about the city’s history.
Ates noted that special orders from social media support their work and added, “Preserving Diyarbakir’s cultural heritage gives us great pride. We are learning a trade and also earning from this work.”
Through this special project, Diyarbakir’s rich cultural heritage is being carried into the future via ceramic works, bridging the city’s historical values with modern art.
