YAS-Anatolian Cultures and Arts

08/28/2026

This Saturday, August 29!

I’m so excited and deeply honored to be participating in the New Jersey Folk Festival for the second time! ❤️

But this year will be even more special to me. I’ll be joining the other Heritage Fellows for a special recognition on the Pinelands Stage at 1:15 PM.

https://njfolkfest.org/pinelands-narrative-stage/

It means so much to be part of this celebration with such wonderful artists and culture bearers.

I’m also featured on the Heritage Area page—scroll down to find me! 😊👇

Heritage Area Albert Music Hall Albert Music Hall is a 350-seat concert hall located in Waretown, New Jersey. Since 1974, visitors and musicians have gathered at the hall for live Bluegrass, Country, Folk, Americana, Old Timey & Pinelands Music and to jam in the Pickin' Shed every Saturday night. Al...

08/23/2026

I brought home a very special piece from Istanbul. ❤️

This beautiful handmade silk carpet depicting Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper was made in Iran and measures approximately 19” × 40”.

What captivated me was the incredible detail woven into the silk—the ability to transform an iconic Western image into a Persian carpet, using an ancient textile tradition, is itself a remarkable meeting of cultures.

I purchased this piece while I was in Istanbul, and it has remained one of those works that I feel deserves to be seen in person. Photographs simply cannot capture the delicacy, detail, and richness of the silk and the craftsmanship.

I would love for you to come see it at Ylvia Asal Studio – Anatolian Cultures & Arts in Haddonfield.

08/15/2026

🌹A beautiful celebration of art, friendship, creativity, and the journey from Haddonfield to Broadway.

One of a kind pants, designed and created by my cousin AKAY by Sezanur Akay and needle lace rose flower necklace, designed and created by me Ylvia Ulviye Asal , were worn by Mimi Sullivan Mimi Sullivan at the closing night of the three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway production CATS: The Jellicle Ball at the Broadhurst Theatre in New York City on August 8, 2026.

Left to right: Bill Rauch, Mimi Sullivan, Jack Shaw, and Steve Quickel — friends and Haddonfield Memorial High School alumni, brought together on Broadway.

Downtown Haddonfield
Cats: The Jellicle Ball
Tony Awards

08/14/2026

Something beautiful is already happening here… 🌿

For years, I’ve been creating a little corner of Anatolia in Haddonfield — filled with handmade art, old traditions, stories, textiles, and the magic of working with my hands.

And now… I’m ready to take it a little further. ✨

I want more people to discover this work, experience it, and become part of the story.

If you’ve been meaning to visit, this might be your sign. ❤️
If you’ve fallen in love with a piece, take it home.
And if you’d like to help me expand this cultural journey, my GoFundMe is still open.

Come see what I’ve been creating. Share it with someone who might love it. And help me make this little piece of Anatolia reach a little farther.

Every bit of support means more than you know. 🌸

www.anatoliaartcraft.com

Dear Universe,

I write to you with a heart full of gratitude and a vision rooted in unity, culture, and peace.

My intention is to create a cultural bridge, one that brings people together through art, heritage, and shared experiences. Through Ylvia Asal Studio and the dream of an Anatolian Cultures and Arts Center, I seek to honor the traditions of those who came before me while opening new doors for future generations.

I am thankful for the wisdom of my ancestors, whose spirits guide my steps and light the path ahead. Their strength and stories flow through me, giving me the courage to follow my purpose and build bridges that connect the past, present, and future. I am called to bring women together to “stitch the future,” weaving hope, healing, and understanding across cultures and communities.

I share this vision with the universe because I know I cannot do this alone. True change and healing require many hands and open hearts. By sending this vision out, I invite others to join me to share their wisdom, resources, and energy to help bring this dream into reality. I believe that when we come together in the spirit of community, the impossible becomes possible. This vision is bigger than myself, it carries the hopes of past generations and the promise of a more peaceful future.

I hold this vision because I know the power of art to heal, to connect, and to tell the stories that history sometimes forgets. In a world often divided by fear and misunderstanding, I believe that creating a space for cultural exchange can soften those divides. I see a future where women gather, stitch by stitch, to mend not only fabric but the fabric of human connection. This work is a calling and a responsibility to honor my roots while creating a legacy of unity and peace.

Yet, with this vision also comes my fears and worries. I worry that the road ahead may be too steep, that the resources may not come, or that my voice may not be heard. At times, I fear that the weight of this dream may be too much to carry alone. I wonder if others will see the value in preserving these stories and traditions or if these voices might fade into silence. And yet, despite these fears, I know I must continue. I trust that the right people, opportunities, and blessings will come forward to help nurture and grow this work.

I ask for financial support and the resources needed to bring this vision to life. With this support, I will create a space where artists can gather, share stories, and shape a more peaceful and connected world.

I also hold a deep desire to leave a lasting place of remembrance, a Center for Peace that will stand as a memorial for future generations. May this place honor the resilience of those who came before us while inspiring others to continue the work of unity, healing, and peace. Let it be a sanctuary where stories are preserved, voices are heard, and hope is always present.

I trust in the wisdom of my ancestors and the guidance of my spirit. I release any fear or doubt, knowing that I am walking a path of purpose. May this vision ripple outward healing, empowering, and uniting hearts across time and place.

Thank you to the Universe,

Ylvia Asal

Please gofund me : https://gofund.me/b67caf7aa

Please Watch : https://youtu.be/-GBej2sGNqM?si=t8JsvlbEnv3tzErL

Visit my website : https://anatoliaartcraft.com/home

08/12/2026

My passion for textiles, culture, history, and storytelling has always been at the heart of my work. 🪡🧵✨

Now, I’m excited to share a new chapter in my journey — I’m beginning a new career as a book reviewer and journalist. 📰

My articles on textile arts have been approved for publication by Taylor & Francis (TEXTILE), and I’m deeply honored to see my writing and research enter this new space.

This is a meaningful new path for me — one that allows me to explore, document, and share the stories behind textiles and the cultural heritage they carry.

I can’t wait to share my upcoming book review article with you!

Stay tuned for the publication! 🧵📚✨

I’m excited to share that I’ve received Oya Lace for Men from a publisher in Germany for review.
As someone deeply engaged with textile traditions and their cultural narratives, I’m truly looking forward to exploring this work and sharing my reflections soon.

I’m especially grateful to those who initiated this idea and made it possible for me to take part in this reflective journey.

08/11/2026

A beautiful afternoon at Gloucester Library Gloucester County Library exploring Embroidery on Paper. 🧵✨

Together, we turned paper and thread into art, sharing creativity, connection, and the joy of making by hand.

Thank you to everyone who joined me! ❤️