Rawanduz baker revives tradition with a flourishing business run by women

Nov. 11, 2024

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Treefa, a resident of Rawanduz district in the Soran Independent Administration, has turned her passion for traditional Kurdish bread into a thriving small business.

With a team of eight dedicated women, she has managed to revive the age-old practice of bread-making while balancing her roles as a mother and entrepreneur.

“The idea for this business came from social media,” Treefa shared. “I used to post tutorial videos on cooking and baking, along with my daily routines. As my follower base grew, many started requesting to purchase my homemade food and pastries. That’s when the thought of starting a business took root.”

Launching nearly two years ago, Treefa began her enterprise with a small group.

“The first year was incredibly tough,” she said. “Managing the bakery alongside my responsibilities at home put a lot of pressure on me. But with time, I found a way to balance everything, and my husband has been very supportive.”

Her bakery specializes in traditional Kurdish pan-bread, which remains a local favorite. “People usually buy it in large bundles because it’s dry and keeps well for long periods,” Treefa explained.

Unlike mass-produced bread, her traditional loaves evoke memories of childhood and are staples in Kurdish households.

Treefa also reflected on changing cultural practices. “In the past, large families would bake together, with each woman taking a different role in the process. It was a communal experience. But now, families are smaller, and that tradition is fading. That’s where businesses like ours come in, offering people the bread they know and love.”

With her bakery now employing eight women working in shifts, Treefa continues to provide the community with the authentic Kurdish bread that holds deep cultural significance while empowering other women through meaningful work.