ÇEYIZLAB: Crafting a Speculative Manifesto

PAPER PRESENTATION by Seçil Ugur Yavuz (unibz)  and Hazal Gümüş Çiftçi, (The Ohio State University, College of Arts and Sciences) at BICCS 2021, Biennial International Conference for the Craft Sciences.

Abstract: Çeyizlab is a research project tackling with çeyiz (trousseau)- a traditional gift-giving to the bride in Turkey. Due to the societal changes, çeyiz is under a transformation. By looking at the past and speculating about the future of çeyiz, our research question emerged: Can we envision scenarios that would turn the existing transformation of this tradition into preferable futures? We answered this question by conducting online focus-groups, auto-ethnography sessions and expert interviews. Based on our analysis, the idea of a Manifesto has emerged. This manifesto was embroidered on a fabric reflecting the stories, memories and desires of the women with whom we interviewed. To spread out the message of the manifesto, we decided to make a short film that gives rise to discussions around the issues entangled within çeyiz.


link to the paper.

Date: May, 2021