05/06/2023
Yadigar II
(Memento)
Public Event to Benefit the Artisans and Organizations Affected by The Recent Earthquake in Turkey. The daylong public exhibit will feature vintage textile arts and handicrafts from Southeastern Anatolia, the area of Turkey recently devastated by the earthquake. The region is located at the top of the fertile crescent where agriculture first began, with recent archeological finds pointing to at least 12,000 years of settlements there. Since its origin, this area has been on multiple trade and migration routes, hosting diverse religions, states, empires, all of which contribute to its rich tapestry of cultures, arts, and handicrafts. The vintage pieces on display tell the stories that were weaved, threaded, or hammered into them. After the devastating earthquake, it has become even more important, and poignant, to display these vintage pieces and artifacts and preserve these traditional arts. The event
is presented Ataturk Cultural Center, a non-profit chapter of the American Turkish Association of Southern California. A portion of the exhibit’s proceeds will be used to help the artisans to restart their crafts, and to teach new students to continue these art forms. The organizers have been working with regional arts and crafts institutes (Olgunlasma)
and cultural centers (Halk evleri) tounderstand their needs and pledge to provide support
to them however possible. The exhibit will feature artifacts that were created by using over 30 different techniques, including Antep Embroidery, Mother of Pearl Embossing, Traditional Turkish Leather Handmade Shoes (kosgerlik ve yemenicilik), Woolen Cloth Weaving (Aba Dokumaciligi), Copper Works, Silver Embroidering, Rug Weaving in Gaziantep, Pottery,
Embossed Cotton, Beaded Edging, Cross-stitch, Dival-style Metallic Thread, Oya Embroidery, Wool Felting, Wood stamp and Needlepoint. A highlight of the day will include
a special program of four interactive, educational workshops, demonstrating
Wool Felting, Pottery, Wood stamp, and Henna. Traditional Turkish tea/coffee and sweets will be offered. The lunch will serve specialty dishes from the region.
