The Silk Road to Recovery: Emel’s Story of Resilience

Hatay, 22 May 2023 – In the wake of the recent earthquakes that rocked Türkiye and Syria, one woman stands as a beacon of strength and determination. Emel, the proprietor of the largest silkworm breeding farm in the country, specializing in the production of “peace silk” – silk that is produced without harming the silkworms – remains resolute despite the devastation her community has endured.

Tragedy struck Emel’s world when the earthquakes claimed the lives of her cousin and nephew, along with over 50,000 others, leaving behind a shattered community and a fractured foundation for her business. Undeterred, Emel’s unwavering resilience and dedication continue to drive her forward.

“I knew I had to be stronger to help my community. That’s how we kept working. We maintain constant communication with our employees, striving to bring them back to work,” she explains.

Emel’s journey in silk design began in 1996 when she discovered her true calling. By 2000, her passion had evolved into the establishment of her own company. In 2019, she co-founded the EkuDoku Cooperative, joining forces with like-minded women who shared her vision for ethical and sustainable silk production, utilizing cruelty-free harvesting methods passed down through generations.