More than 150 products made and designed by prisoners in 40 penitentiaries across Turkey are on sale at an Ankara-based shop opened by the Justice Ministry. Having opened its door in January, the shop sells food, decorative items, silver accessories, bags, towels and clothes such as leather jackets, all made in workshops or facilities in various prisons including those in Sinop, Edirne, Denizli as well as Ankara's Sincan, Ayaş and Kalecik districts.

Ayhan Çapacı, the manager of Ayaş Open Prison, told Anadolu Agency (AA) that the shop has attracted great interest since its opening last month. "We did not expect the interest. So far, almost 4,000 customers have purchased our products," he said. Customers are mostly interested in bags, shoes and accessories. Çapacı said the price of the products is cheaper than their market value. The prisoners working at such workshops are insured and they will receive compensation. Çapacı said this practice helps them rehabilitate themselves while making contributions to society. Sakine Gülletutan, one of the customers, said the products are of good quality and inexpensive. The shop is open every day except Sunday.