06.07.2025 18:00
Cemile Şahin, a 51-year-old housewife living in the Suruç district of Şanlıurfa, processes wool collected from waste using traditional methods in her workshop and sells quilts made from it. In addition to generating economic income, Şahin also makes a significant contribution to recycling by preventing the wool from being thrown away.
51-year-old housewife Cemile Şahin, living in the Suruç district of Şanlıurfa, started contributing to the household economy by purchasing a sewing machine in 2012 and sewing pillows and cushions. As she developed her business day by day, Şahin also entered the quilt-making business using wool. While walking on the street, Cemile Şahin saw wool thrown in the trash, collected it in a bag, and took it to her workplace. After washing the wool using traditional methods, Şahin makes quilts and sells them.
SEARCHING FOR WOOL IN TRASH CONTAINERS
Cemile Şahin, who bought machines for her workplace with her own means, is also supported by her husband, who is a tradesman. Mehmet Şahin, carrying a sack, collects the wool thrown in the trash and takes it to the workshop. Cemile Şahin washes and disinfects the wool, then transforms it into quilts using traditional methods.
THE FIRST AND ONLY FEMALE ENTREPRENEUR IN SURUÇ
Citizens who used to throw wool in the trash have started to bring it to Cemile Şahin's workplace to sell instead. Cemile Şahin, who stands out as the first and only female entrepreneur in this field in the Suruç district, not only earns economic income but also makes a significant contribution to recycling by preventing wool from being thrown away.
Cemile Şahin, who says she has started to see wool in the trash with the changing times, stated, "When I saw wool in the trash, I thought about what we could do with it. My mother and grandmother used to make quilts by hand. I was also very good at it. Adapting to the times is a necessity for an entrepreneur. Then I bought a quilt machine. After washing and carding by hand, we make quilts from wool using the machine," she said.
Şahin, who says that everything has changed a lot, stated, "People do not pay attention to their health and culture. Everything has become plastic. They do whatever they like. When a person sleeps under a wool quilt, it feels very different compared to sleeping under a synthetic quilt. I recommend wool quilts to everyone. They should try it and see how different it is between wool and synthetic materials," she expressed.
"MANY THINGS HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN FROM OUR ANCESTORS, IT EXISTS IN OUR TRADITION"
Stating that many old and traditional professions are on the verge of extinction, Şahin said, "That’s why we entered the wool business. When you receive encouragement, you gain more courage. I bought a machine, but my goal is to acquire a larger machine that will contribute to recycling. I want to work in a larger place where I can do my job professionally, similar to an industrial setting. We are affiliated with the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen here. We have an institution. It would make us happy if the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen and the ministries support this and keep these cultural things alive. Because we always sit on the ground. Many things have been passed down from our ancestors, and it exists in our tradition. It would be good if the state also provides encouragement to not lose this culture," she said.
"IF WOMEN INCREASE, THEIR VOICES WILL BE LOUDER"
Cemile Şahin, who wants many women to enter the workforce, stated, "Today I am the only woman, but if there are many women, you can speak with more confidence. Maybe I am speaking very softly here, but if there are more women, we can work with more confidence," she expressed.
RECEIVING THE GREATEST SUPPORT FROM HER HUSBAND
Mehmet Şahin, who stated that they do carpet laying and quilt work, said, "We buy old wool. Every few days, they leave a sack by the trash. Most newly married couples do not know how to sew quilts. When it gets dirty, they throw it away with the face. We take this wool, wash it, pass it through the machine, and make quilts again," he said.
İsmet Demir, the President of the Suruç Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, stated that they appreciate Cemile Şahin's work, saying, "As the Chamber of Tradesmen and Craftsmen, we are trying to support all our tradesmen regarding lost professions. We thank Cemile Şahin for this. It is a very nice thing that she collects old wool from the trash and evaluates it here. We are also trying to support our female friends and women tradesmen in this regard. We will consult and try to keep these kinds of professions alive," he said.