ABOUT GALERI YUNAK

Galeri : An open place to come and view treasures at your leisure. Yunak : A local fountain where women came to do their laundry and more importantly, socialise. The history of Galeri Yunak has evolved from three generations of the Elalan family with the support of the Ürgüp community in Cappadocia. Halil Elalan is the current family member who is operating the business, still with the support of local Ürgüp community. Halil’s grandfather was the founder of the business in 1920, and had an active interest in the business until he passed away in 1936, at this time the business responsibility was handed down to his two sons, one of which was Halil’s father. Halil’s father was responsible for the creating of the dyes that coloured the wool to make the local area carpets. Halil’s uncle was responsible for the creation of the carpet designs. Together they developed the business. The business became renown and many Turkish people would place orders for carpets of specific colour, size and design. There was no tourism (Export) industry at this time. Between 1940 and 1970 the the Elalan family managed a large carpet workshop with a workforce of 200 local women who produced the carpets. There was no electricity in 1940-45, and light was provided by gas. The women would take the workshop lanterns home for use in the evenings. In 1936 the Elalan family and Ürgüp workshop created a memorial carpet, preserving the memory of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (Father Türk). This carpet was created by reflecting the image of Atatürk and then creating a carpet design. This piece maybe viewed today in the Ankara Museum, as the family gifted the piece to the nation. The women of the workshop were given their looms to have in their homes in 1970. Halil’s father passed away in 1984, but is still remembered for his hospitality, he was renowned for hosting a group of guests for 56 days. The Elalan family now is nicknamed 56 days. Today Halil continues the carpet business in his home town of Ürgüp in Cappadocia. Much of his time is spent exporting carpets door to door worldwide, an achievement being first of three businessmen to develop this export service. Halil is also very dedicated to the restoration of a group of ancient homes in Ürgüp and personally overseas the restoration and longevity of Ürgüp. Galeri Yunak still supports the local production of carpets. The dyes that colour the carpets that denote this region are natural colours of brown, white, grey and black.

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