The “Lives from Knitting” event was organized by the Ergotherapy Department of Üsküdar University Faculty of Health Sciences. Knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir attended the event, which discussed the contribution of knitting to daily life, as a guest. Özdemir, stating that she has loved creating since she can remember, mentioned that the sense of visual harmony might have been within her since childhood. Özdemir also stated that her connection with handcraft is not limited to knitting, and that she is interested in everything made with hand labor.
To the event held in the Galenos hall of Üsküdar University NP Health Campus, Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Ergotherapy Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University, and many academics and students also attended the talk.
Knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir was the guest at the event moderated by journalist Şaban Özdemir.
A life quietly woven together…
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova, Head of the Ergotherapy Department, who mentioned that a life story about knitting, communication, and hope would be witnessed, delivered the opening speech of the event. Asqarova said; “Mr. Şaban, Media PR Unit Manager of our University's Corporate Communications Department, a loving family accustomed to the busy pace of university life, quietly weaving life stitch by stitch inside their home... They are a nuclear family with a profound understanding of life... She starts her day with knitting as she sends her husband off to work. It's not just knitting; she also weaves the rhythm of the day, traces of the past, and hopes for the future. Knitting, for her, is as much a form of production as it is a thought practice, a ritual, we can say. She loves silence; while her hands speak, her mind rests. Every stitch is like a small resistance against the complexity of life. Meanwhile, her husband, 'weaving' the university's outward face at his computer, also lovingly feels the structure his wife builds in her inner world... Because knitting is not just knitting or weaving; in those magical hands, there are quiet evenings spent together, shared tea times, and an unspoken agreement. Today, we will listen to a small part of this beautiful life story with you.”
Prof. Dr. Sevda Asqarova: “Production, solidarity, and understanding go hand in hand”
Evaluating the talk, Asqarova said; “As they say, it cannot be explained with words, it must be experienced; today, we witnessed the world of this magnificent couple, where words are few, but meaning is abundant. As you can see, their communication style is silent but intense; what they mean is immediately understood when they make eye contact. They are a duo who, while each producing in their own field, respect each other's production. This mutual silent support elevates their relationship beyond the ordinary. Because in the life of this couple, production, solidarity, and understanding go hand in hand.”
Şaban Özdemir: “Knitting is building the family…”
Journalist Şaban Özdemir, speaking at the opening of the program, explained his views on family and the importance of knitting on the subject. Özdemir stated; “I am a person who values family very much. My wife shares the same sensitivity. Without family, there is no society. Without society, there is no world. We are all aware of this. You also notice the speculative efforts aimed at dismantling and destroying the family. Now you might ask, where does knitting fit into this? Perhaps it is an effective element in building and maintaining that family, connecting them stitch by stitch... It is not just a usable product but also connects and strengthens relationships... I have always supported my wife with her knitting. I find her work very valuable. I believe that producing something is a purpose of existence and being human.”
Every person comes into the world with a talent…
Özdemir stated that every person comes into the world with a talent, emphasizing that it is the individual's responsibility to discover and develop these talents.
Özdemir, stating that she loves the work she does in line with her talents, highlighted the importance of loving one's job based on her own experience, saying, “I don't feel like I've worked a single day. Even the money I earn from this job feels like a gift to me. When a person does what they love, fatigue and excessive sacrifice lose their meaning.”
Canan Yanar Özdemir: “I have loved creating since I can remember”
Knitting artist Canan Yanar Özdemir, who also answered questions from students, shared her passion for handcraft and her thoughts on the design process. Özdemir stated that her interest in creating dates back to her childhood. Özdemir, stating that her connection with handcraft is not limited to knitting, said that she has been interested in everything made with hand labor since her childhood. Özdemir stated that she tries to reflect her own style even in clothes she buys with small touches; “I always add something, take something out, or change the elastic on the clothes I buy. This interest of mine has never diminished since childhood. I always make small touches, no matter how minor…”
“The sense of visual harmony might have been within me since childhood”
Canan Özdemir, who provided comprehensive information about hand-knitting and shared her views on the design process, stated that she has a special interest in everything visual. She said that this interest is not limited to yarn, clothes, textiles, or costume jewelry and accessories, but also encompasses many objects encountered in daily life, such as furniture. Özdemir expressed that she believes this aspect of hers is nurtured by the bond she formed with her mother in childhood, saying, “My mother has a tailoring background. She always dressed me meticulously. Whatever color my shoes were, my hat was that color too. This sense of visual harmony might have been within me since childhood.”
At the end of the very sincere talk, flowers were presented to the Özdemir couple by the students.
The talk concluded with a group photo session.
