TESK

TESK, officially Türkiye Esnaf ve Sanatkarlar Konfederasyonu, is a national confederation representing tradespeople and artisans in Turkey. It serves as an umbrella organization for local and regional associations of merchants, craftsmen, and service providers, coordinating their interests and providing services to member groups. Through its affiliated bodies, TESK engages in advocacy on economic and regulatory policy, participates in social dialogue with government and labor partners, and aims to improve conditions for small businesses.

The organization supports a range of activities for its members, including vocational training and apprenticeship programs, entrepreneurship assistance, and legal or business advisory services. It also conducts economic and labor market research related to small enterprises and may oversee professional standards, certifications, or recognition programs relevant to skilled trades, depending on sector and region. TESK seeks to address issues common to small, family-owned, and craft-based businesses, such as access to finance, licensing requirements, and market access.

Historically, TESK has been an active participant in Turkish civil society and policy debates that affect the informal and formal small-business sector. Its governance typically features a president or chair, an elected board, and regional councils, all drawing legitimacy from the member associations through a general assembly. In the Turkish political economy, TESK represents the interests of a broad spectrum of craftspeople and traders, aiming to balance regulatory reform with skills development and sustainable entrepreneurship.

Note: TESK can refer to other organizations or uses of the acronym in different contexts; this article describes the Turkish confederation.