Mehmet Demir, who has been a tailor for 35 years in the Historical Kayseriye Bazaar, one of the most famous places of Mardin, brings the centuries-old traditional clothes back into the present day. The clothes, produced with 150 pieces per day on 25 sewing machines, reach different regions of Türkiye from Demir’s workshop as well as Brazil, France, Germany, Netherlands and Sweden on-demand. Demir sews traditional clothes in different colours and designs, which were used by women in rural areas on a daily basis, now preferred instead of evening dresses, especially in henna nights, engagement ceremonies and weddings. He continues production in the textile workshop that he established 2 years ago in Yenişehir Neighbourhood, upon the increase in demand for the products.
“We adapt the traditional clothes to the present”
Mehmet Demir told Anadolu Agency (AA) that he wanted to contribute to the promotion of the regional culture with clothes. Demir stated that he decided to expand his business after the increased interest in the products and that he provides employment to 3 people and internship opportunities to 5 students in the textile workshop. Expressing that he started this occupation 25 years ago upon the suggestion of a police chief, Demir continued his words as follows:
“We adapt the traditional clothes to the present day and sell them. Domestic and foreign tourists coming to the city also show great interest in these clothes. We also deliver them abroad. Our patterns and designs change according to demand. We sew a variety of clothes from dresses to skirts, from salwar to children’s clothes, and from shawls to shorts. To this day, we have delivered (these clothes) to Brazil, France, the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. We aim to increase the daily production of 150 garments to 500.”
Demir explained that they redesigned the clothes that are about to be forgotten and put them into use. He noted that the sequined clothes are preferred for special days, while the plain ones are preferred for daily use. Pointing out that they are still in discussion to send products to other countries, Demir stated that their goal is to organize a fashion show in the historical places of the city with the clothes they prepared. He added that they also want to teach intern students about this profession and that they offer support to young people in this regard.
Interns become masters by producing in the workshop
Rojin Elçi, one of the young people who both learn a profession and contribute to production by doing an internship in the workshop, said that it is pleasing that the clothes they prepared attract attention. Expressing that they adapted the clothes preferred in the past to the present, Elçi disclosed: “There were a lot of opportunities for an internship. I chose this place because I have a passion for traditional clothes. Our work is going really well. I am mastering by producing. I get very happy when I see the clothes I sew being worn. This place has contributed greatly to my education. My goal is to pursue this profession and create new designs.”