It became an example for Turkey, this street came to life with the handicrafts of women

The street in the Divriği district of Sivas, which is home only to female tradespeople, stands out as the only one of its kind in Turkey. Twelve female tradespeople, who strive to keep the traditions of Ahi alive, have been operating together for about five years.

Hüma Hatun Street in Divriği district revitalized with a project carried out in 2019. The completely renovated street has become a source of income for women and serves as an example for Turkey. The twelve female tradespeople, who work collectively, are making efforts to spread the Ahi culture throughout the country. They do not sell products outside of their business concept and meet their necessary needs from each other. The street features many shops including those selling animal and dry food, souvenirs, a soup kitchen, a traditional stone oven bread shop, and a sweet shop, as well as small workshops showcasing regional handicrafts.

Local flavors are offered to tourists on the street.

Selda Demir, who trades on Hüma Hatun Street, the only living example of Ahi culture, stated, “In our street, we have 12 female entrepreneurs. I am one of them. I provide services related to organic products. I make jar products, dry food, pestils, and walnut sausages. All of them are completely organic. Those who come here are satisfied, and we receive positive feedback. They leave happy. We try to take care of them as much as we can. We have three souvenir shops, a tea house, a kadayıf shop, a gözleme shop, a Divriği rice shop, an organic products shop, and a tandoor bread shop as well.”

Fatma Tepe Şeker, who provided information about the history of the street, said, “Hüma Hatun Street is a street that houses shops belonging to a foundation established by a woman from Divriği in the 1800s. Therefore, it is named after her. With the project of the governorship, the shops were restored, and the project of 12 female tradespeople is being implemented. I have been trading for 5 years now. We are the only one in Turkey with 12 female tradespeople together. With the completion of the restoration of Divriği Ulu Mosque and Darüşşifa, we are experiencing a lively period on our street. Visitors are very pleased, and we are also happy with them. They are surprised at first. Women tradespeople can be found everywhere, but there is no other place where 12 shops trade together. For that reason, they are very happy and support us.”