Süreyya Can: The Resilient Voice of the Container City Kitchen

Before the earthquake, Süreyya Can was a housewife dedicated to her home and family. However, her life changed radically with the February 6^th disaster. Deciding to fill the deep void left by the pain of losing a child and the shifting realities of life through her hard work in the kitchen, Süreyya now transforms local flavors into hope within her kitchen in the container city.

Determination Born of Pain: A Housewife’s Entrepreneurial Journey

Following the heavy grief of losing her son, Süreyya rolled up her sleeves both to provide for her family and to hold onto life once again. She began producing a wide range of goods, from mantı (local ravioli) and pastries to cookies and local delicacies. As the flavors created by her hands became legendary in her circle, her word-of-mouth reputation earned her a loyal customer base. For Süreyya, who enters the kitchen every morning with new orders, this process has become more than just a

MaviKalem: Speed in Production

The production process, previously carried out with limited means and inadequate equipment, was quite slow and physically exhausting for Süreyya. The professional oven and dough kneading machine provided by MaviKalem created a true revolution in her workflow. Now, she can knead her dough with much less effort and take her orders out of the oven right on time and with higher capacity. This technical support has both reduced her physical fatigue and increased her earnings, giving her business a more organized structure.

A Mother’s Strongest Motivation: Her Daughter’s Future

Süreyya saves every penny she earns, not only to invest in her business but, most importantly, for her daughter’s education. With the self-confidence that comes from standing on her own two feet, she demonstrates her determination by saying, “I will keep going as long as I have the strength!” For her, this journey of production is the most tangible way to both gain economic independence after a major loss and build a bright future for her daughter.

“I used to only cook at home; now, I produce for my daughter’s school and our livelihood. Since my machines arrived, my burden has been lightened, and I can look toward the future with more strength.”