Zembul Women's Cooperative, founded by 7 women entrepreneurs in Tunceli, keeps regional dishes alive while also offering gluten-free alternatives for celiac patients and citizens with gluten sensitivity. Officially launched in 2020, the cooperative aims to both promote local culinary culture and increase women's participation in production.
Products prepared under the cooperative's umbrella bring Tunceli's unique dishes to a wider audience while also adopting a health-focused approach. Thanks to gluten-free production, celiac patients can eat safely. The cooperative currently provides employment for 11 people and stands out as a concrete example of women's solidarity.
"It Was a Process That Developed Naturally" Yıldız Gündüz, Chairwoman of the Zembul Women's Cooperative, described the founding process:
"Before establishing the cooperative, we worked together for about a year. During this time, we had the opportunity to get to know each other and our talents. Who's a cook, who's a pastry expert, who's a manager, who's a marketer… This process developed naturally, and we founded the Zembul Women's Cooperative with a core team of 7."
Gluten-Free Kitchen: Where Impossibilities Become Possibilities Chairwoman Gündüz noted that the cooperative doesn't just offer regional dishes but also serves those with gluten allergies:
"A mother whose child has celiac disease can now comfortably eat with her child. Everyone can sit at the same table. That's why Zembul became a place where impossibilities turn into possibilities."
"Our Portions Are Small, But the Power in Sharing Is Great" Emphasizing the importance of preserving Tunceli's culinary culture, Gündüz said:
"We embraced dishes that have been in our kitchens for centuries. We know that tourism is culture and nature-focused. Everyone from ages 7 to 70 can come to Zembul and taste these dishes. When we look at our tables, we see the happiness of it. Our portions may be small, but the power in sharing is great."
Women Entrepreneurship Shines in Tunceli Gündüz summarized women's entrepreneurship in Tunceli:
"Women are entrepreneurs by nature. Here, women don't settle for existing resources and constantly seek alternative paths. Women's entrepreneurship is in a very good place in Tunceli, and women demonstrate their productivity in every field."