Nuriye Aytaç: Taste Hatay’s famous local delicacy kömbe from Nuriye!

After the earthquake, Nuriye started producing kömbe, Hatay’s local delicacy, to contribute to the household income. However, she did not want to be limited to kömbe; she also started to produce dry pastry, tandoori bread and salty cookies. In fact, it was not the first time she made these products. Before the earthquake, she had been making them for her family and friends, but she had never thought of earning an income. She gave her products to her relatives and close friends without charging a fee. She also supported her husband by working in agriculture with him, but she did not earn any money from this work either.

“In fact, women do a lot of work, they put in a lot of effort, but because they don’t get paid for it, they are treated as if it doesn’t exist. As women, we don’t get paid for our labor, we are always in an effort.”

After the earthquake, she went to Antalya and worked there to earn a living. When she returned to Hatay, she saw the bazaar organized in her neighborhood and decided to start producing again. She made kömbe, dry pastry and tandoori bread and sold them at the bazaar. This process was not only a financial gain for her, but also a source of motivation. She both earned income and felt stronger.

At the bazaar, she heard about MaviKalem’s program and applied. However, she did not receive a positive response to her first application. She saw that the women around her received support, followed the process and tried her luck again in the new application period. This time she was included in the program! Nuriye, who experienced great happiness, says that the excitement of that day continues. Thanks to her new materials, she expanded her business, accelerated her production and saved time.

“I am making money, I am very happy! Since I earn my own money, I don’t have to answer to anyone. I can spend the money I earn as I wish.”

Nuriye continues to produce dry pastry, kömbe and tandoori bread at home. She shares her products on her social media account and sells them to her community, at bazaars and out of town. She spends the income she earns on her work, her children’s education and the needs of the house. She says that she loves this job and the more she sells, the more motivated she gets!

Those who want to taste Hatay’s famous kömbe and other handmade delicacies can find Nuriye’s products on her Instagram account!