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Emel Duman, a 59-year-old silk worm breeder and weaving artisan from Hatay, has been awarded the Living Human Treasures Award by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in recognition of her long-standing efforts to preserve traditional silk production.
Duman, who lives in the Bozlu neighborhood of Yayladagi district, learned silk worm breeding and weaving from her grandmother and has sustained the practice for decades. She has been instrumental in protecting the endangered local silk worm species known as “Hatay Yellow” (Hatay Sarisi), which was facing extinction.
Through her efforts, silk produced from the Hatay Yellow species received geographical indication registration in September 2024, marking an important step in safeguarding Hatay’s traditional silk heritage.
Also Duman received the award from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for her contributions. Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) after the ceremony, she said the recognition was vital to sustaining silk worm breeding and noted that it reflected growing appreciation for the cultural and economic value of Hatay Yellow silk.
Duman stated that the award would contribute to expanding silk worm breeding in the region and increasing institutional support. She added that she aims to involve more women in the production process.
She dedicated the award to her 82-year-old mother, Bedia Dogruel, and her aunts, who supported her work over the years.
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