Awards Presented at the Doku Fabric Design Competition

At the 5^th Doku Fabric Design Competition held at Gaziantep Castle, young designers showcased their collections on the runway. Winners in the weaving, knitting, and printing categories received a total of 2.45 million TL in cash prizes. GATHIB President Ahmet Fikret Kileci emphasized the vital role of design in the industry’s future, stating, “Türkiye’s path to making a difference in the global market lies in the vision and imagination of young designers.”

Organized for the fifth time this year by the Southeastern Anatolia Textile and Raw Materials Exporters’ Association (GATHIB), with the support of the Ministry of Trade and coordination of the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM), the competition’s grand finale took place amid the historic atmosphere of Gaziantep Castle. The ceremony was attended by Gaziantep Governor Kemal Çeber, TIM President Mustafa Gültepe, GATHIB Chairman Ahmet Fikret Kileci, Gaziantep Chamber of Industry (GSO) Assembly President Adil Konukoğlu, GSO Chairman Adnan Ünverdi, GAHIB President Zeynal Abidin Kaplan, heads of TIM-affiliated associations, sector representatives, academics, and leading figures from the fashion world.

Young designers presented their fabric-based collections in the weaving, knitting, and printing categories and received their awards following the jury’s evaluation. A total of 2.45 million TL in prize money was distributed among the winners.

President Fikret Kileci: “Long-Lasting Products Are Now a Necessity”

In his speech, GATHIB Chairman Ahmet Fikret Kileci highlighted that the competition is more than just a showcase for young designers — it’s a journey shaping the future of the textile industry: “The Doku Fabric Design Competition has now reached its fifth year. This competition is not just a platform for young designers; it’s a journey shaping the future of our country’s textile industry. We know that design is not only an aesthetic choice but also the strongest tool for sustainability. Today, the most valuable form of innovation in the world is the ability to use resources efficiently. Developing waste-reducing, environmentally respectful, long-lasting products is no longer a luxury but a necessity. If we do not walk hand in hand with sustainability in design, we will have no legacy to leave behind. Every young designer nurtured through Doku is not only weaving fabric but also writing the language of our country’s future. At GATHIB, we reaffirm our belief in these young talents at every opportunity, because we know that designers who combine intellect and imagination with sustainability principles will become Türkiye’s strongest voice in global markets.”

The evening concluded with a memorable concert by renowned artist Merve Akıncı.

Overseas Education Opportunity

In the competition, Davut Karabacak won first place in weaving, Büşra Gül in knitting, and Selenay Bıyıker in printing, each receiving a cash prize of 350,000 TL. Second-place winners received 250,000 TL, and third-place winners received 150,000 TL. The “Sustainability Special Award” worth 200,000 TL went to Begüm Gökgöz. First-place winners from each category may also be eligible—pending approval by the Ministry of Trade—to study for one year at internationally recognized design schools abroad.

Winners

Weaving Category

1. Davut Karabacak
2. Merve Gündoğdu
3. Cansu Güneş

Knitting Category

1. Büşra Gül
2. Nazlı Yağantekin
3. Sümeyye Nur Koçak

Printing Category

1. Selenay Bıyıker
2. Sümeyye Uluçay
3. Kübra Karahan Şensöz