Keeping Culture and Traditions Alive in Turkey

The Cottage Industry - A Rich Heritage

When I first arrived in Turkey in 1979, it was not unusual to see hand made carpets thrown over a centuries old wall in the villages throughout the country. Often these carpets bore the name of that particular village and the patterns and weaving techniques had been handed down from generation to generation. Our merchant friends introduced us to the quaintness and cultural heritage of the cottage industry, that is, carpets and other woven handicrafts that were actually done in the home, rather than a factory. It's a dying art form, as increasingly the younger generations in Turkey and throughout Central Asia are not interested in learning the unique, beautiful, and yes, time-consuming techniques, of their ancestors.

So, when a friend who lives in south central Turkey told me about a Cottage Industry that still weaves beaded jewelry, I was immediately interested and had to learn more. It's a thrill and honor to be able to carry these multi-strand beaded necklaces in my Nomads shop, located inside H. Raines Registry and Gift in Huntsville, AL.  This is an old tradition, done in the home, and the women who make these beautiful necklaces by hand get great satisfaction in knowing they are keeping their history and culture alive, as well as providing income for their family.

The entire process is done by hand. Stones and beads are attached to woven strands, and the necklaces come in a variety of colors, depending upon the availability of semi-precious stones. They will be for sale in Nomads, in August, so please continue to check our FaceBook page for when they arrive. Own a piece of jewelry, hand made, by women who are helping to support their families through keeping their rich traditions and handicraft techniques alive.