Nur Sürer Explores the Literary Journey of Women’s Labour at Yeşim Group

20.08.2026

Nur Sürer Explores the Literary Journey of Women’s Labour at Yeşim Group

In line with its “People First” philosophy, Yeşim Group continues to reinforce the value it places on women’s labour and gender equality through gatherings focused on culture, art and literature. At the event titled “An Orhan Kemal Reading with the Women of Labour, in Cemile’s Footsteps,” held in cooperation with Osmangazi Municipality at the Grand Conference Hall, renowned artist Nur Sürer met with approximately 150 Yeşim employees. Drawing inspiration from Orhan Kemal’s novel Cemile, the gathering explored women’s labour, solidarity and the struggle for life through the powerful lens of literature.

Organised as part of Osmangazi Municipality’s 2026 Orhan Kemal Year programme, the event was hosted by Yeşim Group. The programme, arranged by Osmangazi Municipality’s Directorate of Culture, Arts and Social Affairs, welcomed one of the distinguished names of Turkish cinema and theatre, Nur Sürer, as its guest speaker. The event was moderated by journalist and author Mazlum Vesek. Osmangazi Municipality Deputy Mayor Mutlu Esendemir, Yeşim Group Corporate Communications and Brand Director Dilek Cesur, Group executives and many Yeşim employees attended the programme.

Nur Sürer read selected passages from Orhan Kemal’s Cemile, taking participants on a journey into the world of the novel. Yeşim Group employees, who had read Cemile in preparation for the gathering, also contributed their perspectives to the discussions on women’s labour, solidarity and the struggle for life.

Following the reading, Nur Sürer and Mazlum Vesek held a conversation on the lives of working people, who occupy an important place in Orhan Kemal’s works, and women’s struggle in social life. The discussion considered the aspects of stories written years ago that continue to resonate today, while also highlighting the strong connection literature establishes with the realities of life.

Expressing her appreciation for the event, renowned artist Nur Sürer noted that, while she had previously taken part in various events centred on Orhan Kemal, this gathering with employees held a special meaning for her. Sürer said:“I was truly delighted to be part of such an event. I have previously attended programmes featuring book discussions on Orhan Kemal and taken part in various talks as an actor who portrayed characters from his stories. However, I had never encountered a group like this before. I would like to thank each and every one of them.”

Emphasising that Yeşim Group’s “People First” approach views employees’ development beyond professional life and therefore attaches importance to cultural, artistic and literary gatherings, Yeşim Group Corporate Communications and Brand Director Dilek Cesur underlined the significance of the event in drawing attention to women’s labour. Cesur said: “It is a great source of pride for us that Osmangazi Municipality selected Yeşim Group for this meaningful organisation and came together with our employees. We had the opportunity to read and discuss Orhan Kemal’s Cemile together—a novel that builds a powerful narrative around a female protagonist. Through this gathering, we once again reflected on the value of women’s strength in economic life, their presence in society and their determined stance. As Yeşim Group, we will continue our efforts supporting gender equality, women’s labour and women’s empowerment through activities that promote the social, cultural and personal development of our employees.”

The event reflected Yeşim Group’s approach to supporting the empowerment of its women employees not only through their contribution to production, but also in their social and cultural lives. Addressing women’s labour, solidarity and the struggle for life through literature, the gathering provided a meaningful opportunity for Yeşim employees to reflect and share around a common work.

At the end of the event, Osmangazi Municipality Deputy Mayor Mutlu Esendemir presented plaques of appreciation to renowned artist Nur Sürer, journalist and author Mazlum Vesek, and Yeşim Group Corporate Communications and Brand Director Dilek Cesur for their contributions to the programme. The event concluded with a commemorative photograph.