Turkish handicrafts expand global footprint

Handicraft products reflecting the traces of Turkish culture—from weaving to ceramics, woodworking to glass art—have expanded their presence on the world stage.

According to information compiled by an AA correspondent from Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) data, the share of Türkiye’s cultural goods exports—including items such as visual arts, architecture, design, and handicraft products—in total goods exports was recorded at 4.2 percent last year, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

Cultural goods exports increased by 8.1 percent in 2024 compared with 2023, rising from 9 billion 132 million dollars to 9 billion 876 million dollars.

Handicrafts as the engine of cultural goods exports

Looking at cultural categories, handicraft products—holding the largest share—saw their export total rise by 8.2 percent last year, from 8 billion 996 million dollars to 9 billion 735 million dollars. Handicrafts accounted for 98.5 percent of all cultural goods exports.

Handicrafts were followed by books and printed materials with 102 million 663 thousand dollars, visual arts with 16 million 968 thousand dollars, and performing arts with 16 million 771 thousand dollars in exports. These products were sold to markets across the world during the period.