In collaboration with the Republic of Türkiye Kilis Governorship, the Ministry of Industry and Technology GAP Regional Development Administration, and the Kilis Humanitarian and Social Development Association, Bambi Yatak has launched a new project. The initiative, brought to life under the motto “Women Weave, and They Weave the Future,” aims to pass down the tradition of the Kilis quilt—a cultural craft created by hand-stitching satin fabric into intricate patterns. The project’s launch event took place at the Mahmut İslam Bey Mansion in Kilis, hosted by Bambi Yatak General Manager Cem Baş. The event was attended by Kilis Governor Tahir Şahin, GAP Regional Development Administration President Dr. Hasan Maral, Kilis Humanitarian and Social Development Association President Pınar Sadakaoğlu, and members of the press.
“The elegant heritage of the past will be recreated by women”
“As a brand committed to delivering innovative solutions to our customers, we are also deeply aware of our social responsibilities,” said Bambi Yatak General Manager Cem Baş.
“Anatolia’s millennia-old history has carried countless cultural treasures into the present day. While many of these traditions still live on, a significant portion faces the threat of extinction. Preserving these crafts and ensuring cultural sustainability is not only vital for our identity but also for local economic development.
Among these valuable traditions, the Kilis quilt holds a special place in our hearts. Crafted by hand-stitching satin fabric into graceful designs, it represents the height of artisanal refinement. One of the main reasons we initiated this project is that the number of master quilt-makers has dramatically declined over the years, leaving the craft without apprentices and facing extinction.
Through our project ‘By Women’s Hands, With Women’s Labor,’ we aim to reinterpret this ancient craft with modern design sensibilities, sparking the interest of younger generations and carrying the tradition into the future. By combining the care and craftsmanship of Kilis artisans with the expertise of the Kilis Humanitarian and Social Development Association, we hope not only to support local women economically but also to preserve this refined heritage for generations to come.
This project is not just a commercial initiative—it’s a transformative social step that will create new employment opportunities, provide women in Kilis with training, and empower them socially and economically. From now on, the needles of Kilis will stitch the future.”
“The Kilis quilt will take its rightful place”
Kilis Governor Tahir Şahin emphasized the cultural value of the Kilis quilt, saying:
“For centuries, the Kilis quilt has warmed homes, adorned bridal chests, and embodied the devotion of mothers and the craftsmanship of masters. This project brings together women’s labor, young people’s enthusiasm for learning, and our artisans’ expertise in a powerful example of solidarity.
Within the framework of the Traditional Handicrafts Project, women’s labor, artisans’ skills, and academic contributions have given new life to the Kilis quilt. The designs were modernized to meet today’s needs without compromising their cultural identity. One of the most valuable aspects of this effort is women’s participation in production, contributing to family income and the recognition of women’s labor.
Now reborn through the hands and hearts of our women, the Kilis quilt will warm not only our homes but also our lives. A cooperation agreement has been established with Bambi Yatak to produce and promote these modernized Kilis quilts. This will enable the Kilis quilt to reach beyond local markets, achieving national and international recognition as a brand of cultural and artisanal value. In doing so, both our heritage and women’s labor will be promoted globally.”
“In the hands of Kilis women, tradition meets modernity”
Dr. Hasan Maral, President of the GAP Regional Development Administration, highlighted the project’s importance and Bambi Yatak’s contribution: “Kilis quilting is a centuries-old craft, registered with a geographical indication and cherished as a cultural heritage. However, in recent years, it has faced the risk of disappearing in the shadow of modernization. Through our ‘Transforming Fading Local Weavings into Economic Value’ program, developed in partnership with the Kilis Governorship, we sought to revive this art form. Recognizing this potential, Bambi Yatak, a proudly local and established Turkish brand, believed in the vision and joined the effort. Thus emerged a sustainable model centered on cultural and economic continuity.
Bambi’s decision to make these quilts available in all its stores in Türkiye and abroad marks a major step in safeguarding this craft’s future. Working closely with Bambi’s designers, the GAP Administration collaborated under the coordination of the Kilis Governorship to draw inspiration from the cultural richness of Southeastern Anatolia—blending motifs from Oylum Höyük, Zeugma, Göbeklitepe, Karahantepe, and Dara into a modern collection. In the hands of Kilis women, the traditional met the contemporary, and the local merged with the universal. Our program has previously revived other regional treasures such as Siirt blankets, Şırnak Şal Şapik weaving, Şanlıurfa Culha, Ehram, and Birecik fabric. The formula remains the same each time: protect local heritage, merge it with contemporary design, and most importantly, create sustainable employment for the community.”
“We modernized our traditional motifs together with Bambi Yatak”
Pınar Sadakaoğlu, President of the Kilis Humanitarian and Social Development Association, explained the essence of the project: “The idea behind this initiative came from a simple question: Why don’t women practice quilting, a craft long dominated by men? Through the programs of the GAP Regional Development Administration and the Kilis Governorship supporting women’s empowerment, we opened quilting courses for local women and received training from master quilters. The first results of these efforts began to emerge. Together with Bambi Yatak, we modernized our traditional motifs, transforming them into stunning designs that will be available as signature quilts in Bambi stores.
The master artisans now take pride in passing this endangered craft on to future generations, while the women of Kilis feel the joy of contributing to production and achieving financial independence through their collaboration with a strong national brand like Bambi. We are delighted to have served as a bridge in this meaningful partnership.”
Three new motifs by Bambi Yatak: “Anatolia,” “Firuze,” and “Gypsy Girl”
As part of the “By Women’s Hands, With Women’s Labor” project, quilts produced by women in Kilis bring to life three distinct motifs inspired by the rich cultural roots of Anatolia. Each design reflects symbols of abundance, fertility, and the vitality of nature—values deeply embedded in Anatolian heritage. The “Anatolia” and “Firuze” models are complemented by the “Gypsy Girl” quilt, inspired by the world-renowned “Gypsy Girl Mosaic” unearthed in 1998 in Zeugma Ancient City, one of the key symbols of the region. Handcrafted with care and artistry, these Kilis quilts will be available at Bambi Yatak concept stores and online through the brand’s official website.
