This study examines the effects and pedagogical contributions of puppetry—which holds a significant place among traditional Turkish arts—on creative thinking, social skills, and communication within contemporary art education. The research was conducted at Karabük University with twelve volunteer participants selected from students studying art. During an 11-day workshop, participants created puppets based on their individual narrative designs, actively engaged in performance processes, and interacted with audiences across the city. In this context, puppetry was utilized not only as a traditional art form but also as an effective educational tool and a component of interdisciplinary learning. Data obtained from post-training questionnaires indicated that students demonstrated significant improvement in areas such as creativity, interdisciplinary thinking, and self-confidence. The study concludes that puppetry can offer an innovative model for faculties of education and art schools by transforming artistic and cultural heritage into a pedagogical instrument. Furthermore, the research aims to contribute to the socio-cultural fabric of Safranbolu by integrating historical and cultural heritage with artistic practices.
Keywords: Puppetry, Culture, Visual Arts, Sustainability, Safranbolu, Traditional Arts