A New Occupation Option for Citizens Living in Mountainous / Rural Areas in the Kop Region: Sukop Ornamental Stone Education and Production Ateliers.

Abstract

Presidency of Konya Plain Project Regional Development Administration (KOP-RDA) was established to support regional development in eight provinces, namely Konya, Aksaray, Karaman, Niğde, Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Nevşehir and Yozgat in Central Anatolia. Almost half of the 4 million population in the KOP region live in the mountainous / rural areas and their income is quite low. Selçuk University Gemstone Processing, Application and Education Atelier Project (SUKOP) founded in order to generate additional income by producing the gemstone for the citizens living in mountainous-rural areas in the KOP region in 2015. Ornamental stone processing training were given for the citizens in the mountainous/rural areas in the off-season periods in accordance with the purpose of the KOP Action Plan. Produced gemstones were used for spa stone, necklace, brooches, earrings, rings, bracelets, key chain, rosary and desktop ornaments to provide additional income. Fundamental gemstone education is including basic information required for the processing of gemstones, cleaning, cutting, slicing, etching / shaping, polishing, drilling and jewellery production issues. In this context, firstly, in 2016, Selçuk University SUKOP Gemstone Research, Application and Education Atelier, then in 2016 Taşkent (Konya), in 2017 Ermenek (Karaman) and in 2018 Doğanhisar (Konya) production ateliers were established. Fundamental gemstone educations were given to approximately 150 citizens mostly women and living in the mentioned mountainous / rural areas as well as living in different regions. In addition, were given gemstone education interested undergraduate and graduate students and citizens. Owing to SUKOP Gemstone Processing, Application and Education Ateliers the non-existent gemstone education, the production of jewellery from natural stones and a new branch of business have been revealed in the KOP region. Thus, the citizens who live in mountainous / rural areas and have low income were provided with the opportunity to gain a new profession and additional income.