The Weave Studios
Defne & Apollon İpekçilik
Emel Duman established Defne & Apollon İpekçilik in Defne, Hatay, which specializes in silk weaving and production. In 1996, Emel, originally from Antakya, started working with silk and weaving. She is renowned for her valuable work in silk cocoon production, being the sole representative of Peace Silk in
Turkey. To support her silk production, Duman family planted over 15,000 mulberry trees around their production facility. Her facility includes a silk cocoon production area, weaving workshop and sales office. Emel has also revived the production of yellow cocoon silk, a rare species of silkworm specific to Hatay, which was almost extinct. She also practices traditional methods of dyeing and eco-printing and is determined to preserve this traditional craft.
Emel’s dedication to this craft is unwavering, and she has expressed her commitment to keeping the craft alive for generations to come. She wants to keep living and working in the facility they have built over the years with hard work and wants to ensure its continuity.
Defne Kozaevi
Tülay Genç, a State Artist designated by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in Turkey, is the responsible and expert instructor of Defne Kozaevi, which was created by the Defne Municipality to uphold the diminishing art of silk cocoon production and weaving. Defne Kozaevi facility had 6 women employees, and to provide employment opportunities for women, it has offered several courses on silk cocoon production and weaving. Unfortunately Defne Kozaevi was destroyed entirely in the earthquake. Prior to the earthquake, Defne District Governorship partnered with Defne Kozaavi and organized a silk weaving and handicrafts course for 25 women registered with the social assistance and solidarity foundation, scheduled to commence on March 7th.
Tülay has accomplished numerous triumphs in silk cocoon production and weaving both in Turkey and abroad, dedicating her time and effort to this facility and creating job opportunities for women in this sector for years. Following the earthquake, Tülay relocated her family to Ankara, and then returned to Hatay to work in the field, providing support for women and children in need in Antakya.
Yılmaz İpekçilik
Yılmaz İpekçilik, a family-owned business established in 1950 by Hasan Büyükaşık, has been producing silk cocoons and hand-woven products for two generations. The family has acquired the weaving technique from Aleppo Armenians, and the thre sons of Hasan Büyükaşık - Yılmaz, Tuncay, and Ali brothers - are committed to passing on this valuable tradition to future generations.
Yılmaz Bey, the current owner of Yılmaz İpekçilik, has a deep passion for the silk industry and is recognized as one of the prominent producers representing silk and weaving in Antakya. The recent earthquake has unfortunately caused significant damage to the shop and their studio. However, there is still a significant stock of hand-woven silk shawls, cotton peshtemals, and bedspreads. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Yılmaz Bey remains committed to the industry and is eager to relocate his inventory and open his new shop in the city of his choice. His ultimate goal, however, is to return to Antakya and continue the legacy of Yılmaz Ipekçilik.
Bahtiyar İpek
Bahtiyar Ipek, owned by Eser Baltacı, has been a prominent business for 35 years, offering high-quality hand-woven products in Antakya. Tevfik Usta, a skilled weaver, has been leading their weaving studio. In addition, Tevfik Usta has been offering open weaving classes to interested individuals at their studio in Antakya. All of their products have been hand-woven in Antakya under the guidance of Tevfik Usta.
Unfortunately, their shop and studio were destroyed in the earthquake. However, Eser Bey remains optimistic and is actively seeking a new space to establish their shop and studio. Eser Bey’s family has also been involved in this business, and he takes pride in the high quality of their work and products. Due to the destruction of their building, their looms have been damaged. Nevertheless, Eser Bey is determined to repair the machinery. They have around 5000 pieces in their stock.
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