Beypazarı, Ankara – The Kınalı Eller Women’s Cooperative, a women-led production initiative in Beypazarı, is in the final stages of its Eid preparations. The cooperative, known for its 80-layer handmade Beypazarı baklava and stuffed vine leaves, is now setting its sights on a new project supported by the Ankara Development Agency. This initiative aims to bring the geographically indicated ‘Beypazarı kurusu’ to national and international markets.
Intense Activity Ahead of Eid
The Kınalı Eller Women’s Cooperative, founded by women in Beypazarı, is experiencing a period of intense activity in anticipation of the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The cooperative meticulously produces its traditional 80-layer Beypazarı baklava, dry baklava, and stuffed vine leaves, all crafted by hand. This dedicated work not only preserves traditional flavors but also provides significant economic support to women in the community.
Serpil Deniz, president of the cooperative, highlighted the busy atmosphere in the workshop. “Before Eid, our workshop is working at full speed. First, the 80-layer Beypazarı baklava is handmade, without starch, with walnuts, and slowly baked in a stone oven. Then we make pulled baklava from it, and then we send dry baklava all over Turkey; syrupy baklava also goes to Ankara. In addition, we also make stuffed vine leaves for Eid,” Deniz explained.
Empowering Women and Preserving Traditions
The cooperative, which started with nine women, has now grown to include 26 members. Deniz emphasized the cooperative’s commitment to inclusivity, stating, “Women who cannot leave their homes are also included in production. They weave baskets, bags, necklaces, and scarves from newspaper paper. We help them market their products and earn additional income. We try not to leave anyone behind. 26 women work in great solidarity.”
Beyond the direct economic benefits, the cooperative plays a crucial role in safeguarding Beypazarı’s rich culinary heritage. The meticulous preparation of traditional dishes ensures that these time-honored recipes are passed down through generations, maintaining their authenticity and cultural significance.
New Project Targets Global Export
The Ankara Development Agency has been a significant supporter of the cooperative’s projects. Deniz noted, “In our first project, a pasta machine and a drying unit came from Italy. Now we are working on our new grant project for ‘Beypazarı kurusu.’ Our goal is to bring the full butter and geographically indicated Beypazarı kurusu to Turkey first, and then to export.”
This new project represents a major step towards expanding the cooperative’s reach and impact. By securing geographical indication for ‘Beypazarı kurusu,’ the cooperative aims to protect the authenticity and quality of this unique local product, enhancing its market value and appeal to a wider audience. The export initiative will not only boost local economy but also introduce a piece of Turkish culinary tradition to the global stage.
Community Impact and Future Prospects
The Kınalı Eller Women’s Cooperative serves as a model for community-driven economic development and women’s empowerment. By providing a platform for women to utilize their traditional skills and earn a sustainable income, the cooperative contributes to the overall well-being of the Beypazarı community.
The success of the cooperative’s initiatives, from Eid preparations to international export plans, underscores the potential of local enterprises to achieve significant growth with strategic support and a strong commitment to tradition and quality. The cooperative’s journey reflects a broader trend of valuing and promoting local products on a global scale, ensuring that unique regional flavors and crafts find their place in the international market.
The cooperative’s efforts are not just about producing food; they are about fostering a sense of community, empowering women, and preserving the cultural identity of Beypazarı. As they look towards the future, the Kınalı Eller Women’s Cooperative continues to embody the spirit of entrepreneurship and tradition, ready to share its authentic flavors with the world.
