Huriye Gedik, who opened a stand with her handicrafts in Kuşadası, welcomes customers at her stand throughout the day, despite being 82 years old.

Huriye said that she started knitting by hand when she was seven years old, and said: “There were no hooks or knitting needles back then. I learned to knit by hand. I got married at a young age and I never had the chance to work afterwards. But I would always try to create a job for myself by knitting.”

Originating from Kırşehir, she said that she lost her husband very young and with her children settled in Kuşadası.

She added: “This place inspired me a lot about my handicrafts. I started knitting and selling here. I managed to turn this business into a permanent business by opening my first stand here 4 years ago.”

Despite her age, Huriye, who puts the younger generation of knitters to shame, said, “I just turned 82. I never stopped knitting until this age. I think it is a separate therapy method. Knitting keeps the mind fit and exercises the brain. I believe that this work is what keeps me so vigorous despite my age.”

She said she was comfortable in her place despite the hot weather, and added: “I open my stand at around 10-11 in the morning. I welcome my customers here until 23:00 at night. I like being with people. Their conversations make me happy.”