The ancient art of Istanbul's porters survives modern challenges in Turkiye

"Istanbul's porters haul massive loads, preserving an ancient craft vital to the city's narrow historical markets and hans. On the streets of Istanbul in Turkiye, porters hauling massive sacks wrapped in white plasticon their backs or in handcartsrepresent an essential yet often invisible thread in the city's cultural tapestry. This profession, called hamallk in Turkish, has survived from Ottoman times into the modern era."

"The practice thrives particularly in Istanbul's historic commercial centresthe Egyptian Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar, and the Eminonu districtwhere traditional hans (commercial buildings) house workshops producing jewellery, textiles, and various goods. These porters remain vital because many centuries-old hans lack modern amenities like elevators and are nestled within narrow streets where vehicles cannot pass. In Eminonu, daytime traffic restrictions further heighten their importance. Using a semera traditional wooden and leather harnessporters can transport between 200 and 300 kilogrammes (440660 pounds) of merchandise."

"These specialised harnesses often become family heirlooms, passed from father to son, highlighting the profession's hereditary nature. (The occupation remains predominantly male, with female porters being exceptionally uncommon.) The porters operate within organised divisions led by managers who ensure fair work distribution. Members earn daily wages based on their loads' quantity and weight. This demanding profession requires remarkable physical strength and stamina, limiting entry to those capable of meeting its rigorous demands."

Istanbul porters, known as hamallk, haul massive sacks on their backs or in handcarts across historic commercial centres such as the Egyptian Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar and Eminonu. Many centuries-old hans lack elevators and sit on narrow streets where vehicles cannot pass, making porters essential. Using a semera harness, porters can carry 200–300 kilogrammes and sometimes much more, with harnesses often passed from father to son. The occupation is overwhelmingly male, organized into divisions with managers, and pays daily wages by load. The work demands exceptional strength and stamina, offers little job security, and often lacks insurance.

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