Fırat Neziroğlu: From Tradition to the Future with the Anatolian Textile Network

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The establishment of Istanbul Airport has created a new microclimate in the surrounding villages, significantly impacting the livelihoods of local communities, who can no longer engage effectively in traditional farming and livestock activities.

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In collaboration with İGA (Istanbul Grand Airport), Fırat Neziroğlu invited women from these villages to his workshop to receive professional weaving training. İGA provided transportation and lunch for the participants throughout the project.

 

Over the course of five months, the women completed their weaving education. Following this phase, weaving looms were purchased and installed in suitable locations, enabling the women to continue their craft independently.

 

The threads used for weaving these fabrics were made entirely from recycled materials. Each year, uniforms from İGA’s 6,000 employees were collected and sent to a recycling facility in Uşak, where they were processed into new threads.

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The fabrics, designed by Fırat Neziroğlu and woven using these recycled threads, were subsequently made available for sale.

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Women from the villages of Durusu and Akpınar were employed through this initiative, allowing them to earn a sustainable income by weaving fabrics.