Handicrafts reflect the characteristics of cultural identity. Unfortunately handicrafts activity and the number of craftsmen in Turkey have waned throughout time owing to multiple factors, most significantly to globalization. The world has shifted towards a single-model production as a result of globalization, which actually makes local values so important that their protection is crucial not only for the original area of production but for the entire world (Kongar 2000). This article presents an overview of Turkish handicrafts (classification and history), discusses their present day state and problems, and concludes with recommendations for their promotion and preservation.

Ayşe ÖZBIL