Our Brand Story
The Rhythm of Nature, The Elegance of Silk
Defne Apollon Sericulture was founded in 1998 with the dream of creating timeless, ethical, and nature-respecting designs inspired by Hatay’s rich weaving heritage. Our aim is to bring together the cultural legacy of Hatay—one of the oldest civilizations of Anatolia—with a sustainable way of living.
Since the day we were founded, respect for nature, appreciation of craftsmanship, and devotion to cultural heritage have been at the center of our production philosophy. For us, elegance is not merely an appearance; it is a stance that carries the story, the labor, and the values behind it.
Our Journey with Silk
At Defne Apollon, every fiber we use carries a story.
We are proud to be one of the pioneers of Peace Silk production in Türkiye. Peace silk is an ethical production method in which silk is obtained only after the butterfly emerges from the cocoon, ensuring that no harm is done to the silkworm.
All the silk we produce within our own atelier is created in accordance with this philosophy, respecting both nature and living beings. For us, this approach is not only a production technique but also the foundation of our production philosophy.
Our collections also include products made from different silk varieties commonly used around the world. The special pieces we produce in our own workshop using the Peace Silk method are presented under a dedicated category on our website.
Hand Weaving and Craftsmanship
All of our products are prepared in our own weaving atelier in Hatay. Our fabrics are woven using traditional black looms and fully hand-operated wooden weaving looms.
These techniques require patience, mastery, and time. Each shawl, scarf, blouse, dress, or textile product comes to life through the meticulous work of our artisans, who weave every thread with care.
Rather than mass production, we embrace the philosophy of slow production and craftsmanship. For this reason, our collections are produced in limited quantities, and each piece carries its own unique character.
Cultural Heritage, Women’s Labor, and Awards
Supporting women’s labor and preserving traditional knowledge are an essential part of our work. A significant portion of our production process is carried out by women artisans, and supporting women’s employment is one of the core priorities of our production philosophy.
Our commitment to craftsmanship and our strong brand story has also been recognized by various institutions. In 2024, Defne Apollon was honored with the “Best Brand Story of the Year” award by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Türkiye.
Master weaver Emel Duman was recognized as a Bearer of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Türkiye in April 2024 for her contributions to preserving the tradition of silk weaving. In January 2026, she was also honored by the President of the Republic of Türkiye within the “Living Human Treasures” program supported by UNESCO for her contributions to traditional silk craftsmanship.
Thanks to this knowledge and mastery passed down through generations, Hatay’s rich weaving culture continues to live on today.
Hatay Yellow Silk
The endemic silkworm strain known as Hatay Yellow, native to Hatay, was long believed to have disappeared.
The rediscovery and revival of this local strain became possible through the years-long efforts of Emel Duman, founder of Defne Apollon Sericulture. After an extensive search across Hatay and neighboring provinces, she finally located Hatay Yellow silkworm eggs.
Together with her family, she began breeding the silkworms again and initiated production. She later contacted researchers from Hatay Mustafa Kemal University, leading to the start of academic studies on this rare endemic strain.
As a result of these efforts, Hatay Yellow was brought back into silk production. With the support of the university and the Governorship of Hatay, the process eventually led to Hatay Yellow Silk receiving Geographical Indication registration on September 17, 2025, officially recognizing it as an important part of Hatay’s cultural heritage.
A Natural Heritage for the Future
At Defne Apollon, we aim to honor nature, craftsmanship, and time in every piece we create.
By combining traditional weaving techniques with an ethical production philosophy, we strive to carry Hatay’s rich cultural heritage into the future. As we take small yet meaningful steps toward a more sustainable and conscious world, we thank everyone who walks this journey with us.
Every thread we weave is part of keeping a heritage alive—from the past to the future.