Thursday, 20th October 2005 (2992 views)

Turkey's gold exports have risen by over 16 per cent, figures show.

Cihan Kamer, from the Istanbul Precious Stones and Jewellery Exporters' Association, announced a 16.6 per cent rise in gold exports for the year up to September in comparison to the same period last year, reports the Turkish Press.

In 2004, Turkey is reported to have produced 319 tonnes of gold, 111 of which were exported.

This year, Mr Kamar predicts that Turkish gold exports will total $1.1 billion. As of September they stood at $772 million.

The Turkish gold jewellery industry has a rich heritage that stretches back to the Hittites, Romans and Ottomans. It features some unique techniques such as filigree (telkari), niello (savat) and wickerwork (hasir).

Mining of all substances, including gold, contributes around ten per cent of Turkey's GDP. Turkey has only recently started to mine gold and exports are said to be gaining momentum.

 

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