Animal skins collected from sacrificial animals during Qurban Bayram, also known as Eid al-Adha, provide a significant economic contribution to Türkiye's leather and fur industry, supporting high-value-added manufacturing and reducing the need for imported raw materials, according to industry representatives.
Mehmet Musa Evin, a member of the Leather, Fur and Saddlery Committee of the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO), said the holiday period is eagerly anticipated by leather producers because it increases the availability of domestic raw materials.
"Imports of raw leather into Türkiye decline during Eid al-Adha. This is a major gain for the leather industry," Evin said. "Leather producers look forward to the holiday because the supply of raw skins increases and access to raw materials becomes easier."
The skins collected during the holiday are processed into a wide range of export-oriented products, including shoes, handbags, belts, saddlery goods, leather garments and fur products.
Sector representatives note that the amount of raw material entering the economy could be increased through proper collection and preservation methods.
