In Samsun, northern Turkey, a team of women artisans is transforming a traditionally male craft — painting the ornate interiors of mosques. Working high on scaffolding, Aynur Şeker, Nazlı Cezan, and Işık Kahrıman adorn ceilings and walls with intricate geometric and floral designs.

Their latest project, the Soyuk Mosque in Karacaören, showcases their precision and artistry. Şeker, who learned the craft in 2014 from her husband, has since decorated more than 100 mosques across Turkey, from Ankara to Antalya. “Our work demands patience and care,” she said. “It’s challenging, but women can do it just as well as men.”

Microcredit programs have played a key role in their success, helping Şeker and Cezan purchase supplies and gain financial independence. After moving to Samsun with her two children, Cezan used microcredit to rebuild her life through the same craft.

Their stories reflect a growing movement across Turkey, where women are entering trades once dominated by men — blending tradition, skill, and empowerment to reshape cultural artistry.