New initiatives support revival of shoe production in Antakya and reconstruction of St. George’s Orthodox Church in İskenderun

23 October 2024, Hatay – Reviving livelihoods and restoring cultural heritage were in focus as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today launched two initiatives aimed at promoting recovery in Hatay, the province that suffered most from the earthquakes that hit Türkiye in February 2023. Both were funded by a EUR700,000 contribution from Romania. 

The first initiative supports the revival of the footwear industry in Hatay, which before the earthquakes accounted for one-third of Türkiye’s total shoe production. The disaster was particularly devastating for the 470 shoemakers who were based in a small industrial site in Antakya; they lost their workplaces, inventories, inputs and often their customers and staff. 

To help restore production, UNDP today launched the construction of a common-use facility for producers of shoe uppers at a site near Hatay Expo, working in partnership with the Eastern Mediterranean Development Agency (DOĞAKA). Once completed, the facility will provide production space and modern machinery to improve quality and efficiency to displaced shoemakers now toiling in tiny containers. In addition, 160 shoemakers who were moved temporarily to the Reyhanlı organized industrial zone will have a chance to return to Antakya.

“Livelihoods hold the key to recovery after a disaster,” said UNDP Resident Representative Louisa Vinton. “Getting people back to work and businesses up and running again not only revives the income that families depend on to survive but also helps to restore the normal rhythms of community life that have been so jarringly disrupted for the past 20 months.”

The shoemaking initiative complements a Sweden-funded US$1.62 million program for the region’s textile industry that was launched by UNDP on 3 October 2024 with the opening of an automatic fabric-cutting facility for producers of ready-to-wear fashion in Kahramanmaraş. Alongside the new infrastructure and machinery, UNDP is providing skills training, business development support and psychosocial counselling to textile, leather and shoe workers. 

The second initiative launched today focuses on the restoration of the unique heritage of Hatay, where different religions and cultures have coexisted for millennia – and where historic mosques, churches and synagogues suffered unthinkable destruction side by side in the disaster.

A ceremony in İskenderun today marked the launch of the restoration of St. George’s Orthodox Church, a 450-year-old landmark that serves as the meeting point for the 3,000-strong Orthodox community in İskenderun. The church suffered severe structural damage to its walls, columns and roof during the disaster. With funding from Romania and an additional contribution from Bulgaria, UNDP is contributing US$550,000 to the reconstruction effort, as part of a larger “Save the Legacy” campaign dedicated to cultural heritage restoration.

“This region has become a synonym for successful cultural coexistence, diversity and tolerance,” said Romanian Ambassador Stefan Alexandru Tinca at the İskenderun ceremony. “We sincerely hope the physical rebuilding of cultural and social landmarks can play a role in reinstating the region’s vibrant identity and encourage the displaced population to return home.”

“Cultural heritage is a vital part of a community's identity,” said Can Teymur, President of the Iskenderun Orthodox Church Foundation. “Restoring St. George’s Church helps us take a big step towards rebuilding a sense of normalcy after an unspeakable disaster. We are delighted to see our international partners so committed to restoring the region in all its diversity.”

“Hatay’s heritage, put simply, is world heritage, so everyone everywhere benefits from its restoration,” said UNDP’s Vinton. “With so many priceless historical treasures still in ruins in Antakya and across the affected region, we call for continued international solidarity.”

“Bulgaria is proud to support the earthquake-affected region,” said Bulgarian Ambassador Anguel Tcholakov, “and we hope St. George’s Church will soon be restored to its former glory.”

The Antakya Civilizations Choir, a multicultural ensemble representing the diverse religious communities of the region, performed a special concert at the church to mark the occasion.

For further information: 

Deniz Şilliler Tapan, UNDP Türkiye Communications Specialist, deniz.tapan@undp.org