Continuing its efforts to provide economic and social support to earthquake survivors at the Living Space in Hatay, the İbrahim Çeçen Foundation is among the main supporters of the project "The Journey of Peace Silk with Linen and Hemp," implemented in İskenderun and Ankara. The project aims to preserve Anatolia's traditional weaving techniques while offering sustainable usage and income opportunities to earthquake-affected women and youth.

Carried out in collaboration with the İbrahim Çeçen Foundation, EkoDoku Sustainable Living Cooperative, Hacı Bayram Veli University Faculty of Textile and Design, and the Hatay Social and Cultural Development Association, the project’s launch event was held at Bilkent Hotel. The initiative, aligned with UNESCO's mission to safeguard intangible cultural heritage, is also supported by the Turkish National Commission for UNESCO.

Günseli Çeçen: “We are increasing our earthquake-related resources.”

Speaking at the launch event, Günseli Çeçen, Chairperson of the İbrahim Çeçen Foundation, said: “Following the February 6 earthquakes that deeply shook us all, we focused not only on immediate emergency relief in the affected areas but also on preserving cultural heritage amidst the widespread devastation. During this process, we partnered with the EkoDoku Sustainable Living Cooperative. Together, we embraced an approach that respects traditional beauty while expanding design and production processes in harmony with nature. Within the scope of 'The Journey of Peace Silk with Linen and Hemp' project, we initiated silk weaving courses in the Traditional Arts Workshop established in İskenderun’s İbrahim Çeçen Foundation Living Space.

Our productions are realized using the 'Peace Silk' method, a sustainable, natural, and ethical silk production model that respects the lifecycle of the endemic yellow cocoon-spinning silkworm, Hatay Yellow. We remain committed to supporting our women and youth, contributing to the recovery and empowerment of our region daily.”

Esra Üzel Yüncüler: “Sustainable production with social impact at its core.”

Esra Üzel Yüncüler, Chairperson of the EkoDoku Sustainable Living Cooperative, emphasized:

“At EkoDoku, we embrace an inclusive production approach that brings together individuals from all walks of life while celebrating cultural diversity through timeless designs. With our socially impactful project, 'The Journey of Peace Silk with Linen and Hemp,' we aim to preserve intangible cultural elements by combining sustainable weaving techniques with innovative methods. We are dedicated to providing sustainable employment opportunities for women and youth. Furthermore, by prioritizing ecological and ethical production, we are determined to build a more sustainable, inclusive, and hopeful understanding of fashion.”

Earthquake-affected women regain hope

Within the project, which combines traditional weaving techniques with innovative approaches to create sustainable production and income opportunities for earthquake-affected women and youth, two weaving and traditional arts workshops were established in Ankara and İskenderun’s İbrahim Çeçen Foundation Living Space. Advanced weaving training was provided to 12 women, while six women affected by the earthquake were trained in Ebru Art and Natural Dyeing techniques. Additionally, three innovative EkoDoku fabrics have been produced as part of the initiative.