By Regina Kruse-Özçelik

Early Birds Istanbul Founder & Author

The OELC 2024 Congress, organized by the ENKA team and held in Istanbul on May 25, was a great success. Many thanks to the OELC '24 team!

Charlotte McAllister and Ipresented our book"Constructed Chaos – The Story of a Project-Based Kindergarten." The book was very well received, and we hope that it will inspire not only kindergartens and schools, but also businesses and families to create an environment that focuses on project-based learning.

Together with Tuğçe Kasap Bilaloğlu, we presented the "earth oven construction" project described in the book in the form of a practical outdoor workshop.Participants were able to gather information about our most important insider tips, such as analyzing soil samples, producing the best soil-straw-water mixture, and, above all, the technique of tamping and kneading the mixture into a homogeneous, soft "mud cake." The mixture captivated everyone, and in just a few minutes, many individual 3Doven models were created.

With this workshop, we hope not only to pass on extensive knowledge about the natural cycle of a simple seed and oven construction, but also to help preserve the tradition of the village oven and the community associated with it. A simple and enjoyable way to experience traditions and autonomy here in Turkey.

If you want to build a clay oven, you've come to the right place!