In contrast to Europe, there is still a very strong craft scene in Turkey. My project aims to connect and preserve traditions and bring them into the present. The aim is to create aesthetic, cross-cultural objects that convey a cosmopolitan and inclusive message and emphasize the social structures of craftsmanship.

Felting and the alpine culture of cherry stone cushions
Konya is a popular destination to see the whirling dance of the dervishes. For this, they wear their traditional headdress, the so-called sikke. This symbolizes a tombstone. When the dervishes spin, they are in a state between heaven and earth. The Dervishe hats are made in a very special way. For this, whole hollow forms are felted, which are then divided in the middle to make two hats.

Cherry stone cushions are a tradition from the alpine region. Cushions are filled with the stones of cherries and heated in the oven or microwave and serve as a hot water bottle. The cherry stone cushion SikkEi is made in the same way as the dervish hats.

2024