Photo by RET.

Article by Ali Selim Kara, Communications Officer for RET

ANKARA, TÜRKIYE – One of our ongoing projects in Türkiye has aimed to increase resilience and foster social cohesion within vulnerable refugee and host community members in Kayseri, Aksaray, Çorum, and Samsun. With the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (BPRM), and under the framework of the project “An Integrated Approach to Increase Resilience in Underserved Communities”, we’re working to foster harmony and empower women through recreational psychosocial support workshops.

Through creative endeavors, such as soap making, painting, cloth bag making, candle making, and artistic workshops, women from both refugee and host communities find outlets for self-expression as well as create a safe and inclusive environment where participants can bond and learn from one another.

Photos by RET. 

Recently in Aksaray, a collaborative painting session brought together women from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing social cohesion while highlighting the empowerment of women through artistic expression. Their painting was full of bright colors and detailed designs, showing their unity and creativity. 

In Samsun, women immersed themselves in the art of cloth bag making and improved their handicraft skills. They also explored how their newly developed skills could transform into income-generating opportunities, whether through selling their creations locally or establishing small businesses. Beyond the practical skills acquired, these workshops offered invaluable opportunities for meaningful interaction and personal growth. 

In Kayseri, refugee participants from Syria, Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq participated in candle-making workshop sessions, which cultivated a shared space where cultural barriers dissolved, paving the way for lasting connections. 

Similarly, in Çorum, women from both host and refugee communities came together to explore the UNESCO-listed art form of Ebru, the traditional Turkish paper marbling art. Through this cultural exchange, participants not only gained proficiency in a unique art technique but also forged enduring friendships transcending societal divides. 

Through these initiatives, we’re not only enriching the lives of individual participants but also helping everyone in the community get along better.  By supporting people to understand each other, learn new things, and become friends, these recreational workshops are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all residents of these communities. 

To help us continue this critical work in Türkiye, consider making a recurring donation to RET today.