Avalanche of Creativity: Inmates’ Artistic Works Shine at Edirne Handicrafts Fair
Justice Minister Yılmaz Tunç emphasized the importance of correctional facilities as educational institutions where individuals are built, stating that many unknown and unseen works are being carried out within prisons.
Addressing the opening of the Handicrafts Product and Arts Fair organized by the Correctional Facilities and Detention Houses Business Workshops Institution at Selimiye Square, Minister Tunç expressed his delight at being under the shadow of the masterpiece Selimiye Mosque, which has hosted civilizations throughout history in Edirne.
Minister Tunç explained that while vocational training is provided in business workshops, production is also carried out, emphasizing that they organize fairs in different cities in Turkey to promote the products.
“The aim of criminal justice is to protect society from crime,” Tunç said.
Minister Tunç announced that this year’s fair, which showcases the works produced by inmates in 54 correctional facilities in business workshops, will be held in Edirne after Kırıkkale, Van, and Ankara.
“There is educational activity at all levels in correctional facilities. 1123 teachers conduct educational activities in prisons. Those who are illiterate learn to read and write in prisons. 63,023 inmates receive middle and high school education. 8,454 inmates receive university education. There are 34 master’s students and 106 doctoral students continuing their higher education in prisons,” Tunç said.
Minister Tunç stated that besides theoretical education in correctional and enforcement institutions, practical training is also provided to enable inmates to acquire a profession for reintegration into society after serving their sentence.
“The important thing is to provide them with a profession,” Tunç said.
Tunç emphasized that Turkey is in a much better position than many European countries in terms of the education and integration of inmates into society.
Stressing the importance of inmates taking part in production while serving their sentences to gain responsibility and discipline, Tunç said, “We help inmates develop their skills by providing them with education in various fields and enabling them to leave prison with a profession. Working, producing, and contributing help them in their rehabilitation. The sale of the products also contributes to the country’s economy. Inmates working here also provide economic support to their families and themselves. The key is to give them a profession and ensure that they apply this profession after their release and stay away from crime.”
Tunç stated that production never stops in business workshops and the products made there are sold, with the income being used for justice services.
Indicating that 70,000 inmates work in business workshops, Tunç described the workshops as educational centers with 1,700 workshops and factories in more than 200 business sectors.
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer expressed his pleasure at hosting the fair and thanked everyone who contributed to its opening.
AK Party Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal emphasized the importance of inmates acquiring a profession and contributing to the economy, saying that the works done by inmates today are a sign of patience, work discipline, and willpower.
Business Workshops Institution President Hüsnü Gezginci and Edirne Chief Public Prosecutor Tuğan Sarıca also made speeches at the ceremony.
Following the speeches, Minister Tunç and his entourage cut the ribbon to open the fair.
Minister Tunç, while exploring the fair, received information about the exhibited products and tasted the Edirne fried liver offered to him.
The fair presents handmade products in 100 booths, ranging from textiles to food, furniture, and handicrafts, for visitors to enjoy.
The fair, organized by the Correctional Facilities and Detention Houses Business Workshops Institution for the fourth time this year, will be open for 5 days.
Approximately 160 staff from 54 correctional facilities and business workshop directorates are participating in the fair.
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