Turkish Fashion Summer School

     Yunus Emre Institute carries out cultural and artistic activities, as well as educational programs, through its cultural centers and contact points worldwide. It also supports scientific research.

   In this context, the Institute launched the Turkish Fashion Summer School to promote Turkish fashion more closely to the world.

With its rich and deep-rooted history, Turkish fashion spans a wide spectrum from traditional handicrafts to modern designs. Every detail—from fabric weaving techniques and handcraftsmanship to color palettes, cuts, and design—reflects the traces of the past while also embracing the contemporary world. The Turkish Fashion Summer School offers designs that blend traditional motifs with modern lines, acting as a bridge between East and West.

The program includes 20 designers: 15 international and 5 Turkish, held at the Istanbul Istanbul Beylerbeyi Sabancı Olgunlaşma Institute.

Theme and Subject

The program will explore the history and development of Turkish fashion.

Seminars: Academic seminars will be held over a two-week program. Topics will include Turkish motifs, the history of Turkish clothing, the importance of Turkish fabrics (especially woven ones), Ottoman palace textiles, and visits to workshops of leading Turkish fashion brands.

  • Theme: Heritage Fabrics of Anatolia
  • Seminars will be conducted by experienced academics in the Turkish fashion industry, Turkish designers, and professionals in handicrafts and production fields.
  • Workshops: Seminars will be led by experienced academics, Turkish designers, and experts in traditional crafts and production. Participants will engage with traditional weavings such as Antep Kutnu, Ankara Sofu, Şal, Şapik, Rize Bezi/Feretiko, Ehram, Beledi, and Buldan weaving from Denizli. Workshops will highlight the vibrant colors and patterns of Kutnu, the silky softness of Ankara Sofu, the water-repellent properties of unique wool weavings, and the use of natural dyes in Denizli’s Buldan fabrics, all of which will be transformed into contemporary and functional designs.
  • Field Trips: Visits to provinces known for traditional weaving, including local workshops, museums, and institutes.
  • Design Project: Participants will create a design incorporating fabrics and motifs from their own countries. These will be transformed into modern works and exhibited in Türkiye.

Program Date and Venue

The program will take place between 14 to 31 July 2025 in İstanbul, Bursa, Gaziantep.

Target Audience and Participant Requirements 

  • Aged between 25 and 45
  • Minimum B2 level of English with a valid international language certificate.
  • Graduates in fashion design or related fields (textile/fashion design, fashion stylist, pattern specialist, textile engineering).
  • At least 3 years of professional experience in fashion or a postgraduate degree in fashion/textile arts.
  • Knowledge of fashion design tools, methods, and techniques.
  • Ability to use design-related software and digital tools.
  • Submission of a portfolio demonstrating design skills and creative vision.
  • Bring traditional fabrics from their country to contribute to cultural exchange.
  • No health issues that prevent travel.
  • Be open to intercultural communication.
  • Complete the application form fully and accurately.
  • Must not have attended previous YEE Summer Schools.
  • Have no criminal record or involvement in any legal offense nationally or internationally, and be able to provide documentation.
  • Only one participant per country will be accepted.

    • Program Language

    The program will be conducted in English taking into account the international participant profile.

    Accommodation

    Accommodation will be provided in single rooms at hotels.

    Services Included in the Scholarship

  • International and local transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Meal expenses
  • Course materials
  • Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites
  • Guidance services

    • Application Dates and Method

  • Applications will be made online at summerschools.yee.org.tr/basvuru-sayfasi between March 25 and April 15, 2025.
  • Participants agree to donate their workshop creations to the Institute.
  • Only the selected candidates will be notified by e-mail.

    • Not Included in the Scholarship

  • Personal travel insurance
  • Visa expenses
  • Personal expenses
  • Health insurance