09.11.2026 18:11
Esen Zubaroğlu, a 41-year-old mother of two living in the Defne district of Hatay, became interested in tire repair after moving away from accounting following the February 6 earthquakes. Zubaroğlu, who learned the trade in 1.5 months at the repair shop where she started as a worker in February, took over the business in April. Repairing the tires of about 20 vehicles a day, Zubaroğlu says, "Once a woman wants to, she can do anything."
Esen Zubaroğlu, 41, who had to leave accounting due to the earthquakes in Hatay on February 6, 2023, took over the auto tire repair shop where she started working after falling in love with the profession.
SHE WAS AN ACCOUNTANT BEFORE THE EARTHQUAKE
Zubaroğlu, a married mother of two living in the Defne district, worked in office management and accounting before the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş.
Zubaroğlu became interested in repair work during the period when she had to take a break from her working life due to the disaster.
SHE STARTED AS AN EMPLOYEE IN FEBRUARY, TOOK OVER IN APRIL
Zubaroğlu, who started working at an auto tire repair shop in Subaşı Neighborhood in February, learned the finer points of vehicle tire procedures from her master.
After gaining experience in tire repair, maintenance, wheel balancing, and sales, Zubaroğlu took over the business in April.
Zubaroğlu, who handles her customers on her own, aims to expand her repair shop and provide employment.
I WAS DRIVEN AND WORKED WITH ALL MY MIGHT
Esen Zubaroğlu told the AA correspondent that her husband was her biggest supporter in learning tire repair.
Stating that because she was interested in the profession, she started working with a repairer she knew, Zubaroğlu said, "I learned the job in 1.5 months. I was driven and worked with all my might. I took over in April the workplace where I started as an employee in February."
Zubaroğlu stated that she has been continuing her work for about 8 months with the same enthusiasm as the first day.
Expressing that some people view her profession with prejudice, Zubaroğlu said, "I continued on my path and always focused on my goal. I am proud of myself. A woman can do anything if she wants. Let women chase their dreams and never give up in any way."
Zubaroğlu explained that she repairs and changes the tires of about 20 vehicles a day at her repair shop.
Stating that her first goal is to expand her workplace and then get a dealership, Zubaroğlu noted that she wants to contribute to women's employment.