TURKEY: Harvesting Hope with GIs While Recovering from Devastating Earthquakes

Two devastating earthquakes—of magnitudes 7.8 and 7.7—struck the southern region of Turkey and northern Syria on February 6, 2023, killing almost 60,000 people, displacing more than 3 million people, and destroying a quarter of a million buildings—including schools and hospitals.

Immediately after the earthquakes, full-scale recovery efforts were underway by both governments and humanitarian aid organizations (such as Ahbap.org and UNICEF) to save those trapped under the rubble. Efforts have continued over the past several months to rebuild the infrastructure, provide essential supplies, and offer much-needed assistance to the affected communities. One such effort was a recent event organized by the Turkish Government and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to shine a light on the unique and rich cultural heritage of the earthquake-stricken region of Turkey. The event showcased some of the region’s protected geographical indications (GIs).

GIs represent the national heritage of countries with deep historical and cultural backgrounds. With its centuries-old history, the region’s 1,300+ registered GIs exemplify this. TÜRKPATENT (the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office) showcased 24 carefully chosen GIs from the earthquake-affected region. The objective was to celebrate the resilience of the area, provide support to the affected provinces, and demonstrate how GIs can act as catalysts for empowerment and recovery.

To achieve these goals, a diverse range of traditional products, produce, and techniques was selected by TÜRKPATENT. Among the carefully chosen GIs were the following:

• The popular fermented beverage Adana Şalgamı, known for its distinct sour taste;
• The ancient mother of pearl ornamentation technique Antep Sedef El İşlemeciliği, that dates back to Sumerian tombstones from 4000 B.C.;
• The delicious dessert, Hatay Kabak Tatlısı, made from winter pumpkin;
• Locally grown Malatya Kayısısı, a dried apricot variety specific to the region; and
• The textile product Sincik El Dokuma Halısı, a hand-woven carpet from Adıyaman, which is characterized by of its symmetrical four-star patterns.

This event once again highlights the significance of GI protection for communities worldwide, as WIPO Director General Daren Tang eloquently remarked during the event: “GI status helps to preserve unique cultural heritage and makes it easier for these products to reach global markets. This is how GIs drive business growth, sustain local jobs, and, through this, lift up people, businesses, and communities (including during difficult times), helping the region to rebuild.”

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