From workshop to industry: Erzurum’s Oltu stone

In Erzurum, İhsan Çelik, who has been making prayer beads from Oltu stone for 30 years in a 50-square-meter workshop, is now sending jewelry and souvenirs produced in his factory to all corners of Türkiye. Two years ago, Çelik, a father of two, applied for the IPARD Program funded by the European Union and managed by the Agriculture and Rural Development Support Institution (TKDK), with a project to expand his business. With a grant of approximately 84,000 euros, he established a 500-square-meter workshop in the Oltu Organized Industrial Zone last year. Çelik, who produces prayer beads, jewelry, and souvenirs from Oltu stone (also known as 'black gold' in the region) and other local gemstones, now provides employment for 60 people. He explained that he expanded his operations to process not only Oltu stone but also valuable stones like opal, onyx, obsidian, and chrysoprase, which have international market potential. Çelik also mentioned that the new facility includes workshops for both men and women, a showroom, and an R&D department. He thanked the TKDK Erzurum officials for their support, noting that by processing these stones, many people could earn a living. The facility currently employs 20 people and also hires 40 housewives for handcrafting. Çelik aims to employ 50 people when the facility reaches full capacity. He hopes to expand the business internationally through exhibitions and e-sales. He hopes to expand the business internationally through exhibitions and e-sales.