This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
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Afyon felt, holds a significant place in the economy and culture of Afyonkarahisar province and has roots extending to antiquity. Its production is characterized by geographical specificity and requires skilled craftsmanship. For this reason, it is intrinsically linked to its geographical boundaries. All stages of Afyon felt production must occur within the defined geographical boundary, that is, within the province of Afyonkarahisar.
Afyon felt is produced by treating wool from Dağlıç, Kıvırcık, and Sakız breeds, as well as their crossbreeds—Dağlıç-Kıvırcık and Dağlıç-Sakız—using alkaline substances, followed by shaping through water, heat, and pressure. Due to its high felting property, lamb wool is used in Afyon felt production. Specifically, wool obtained from the first shearing of newborn lambs within five to six months is preferred, as it is soft and fine. As lambs grow, their wool fibers thicken and lose strength. To enhance the softness of Afyon felt intended for clothing, 25–30 percent finer Merino lamb wool may be blended at a rate of 10–20 percent.
The physical properties of the lamb wool used are as follows (minimum–maximum):
Fineness: 16.7–49.9 microns,
Staple length: 8.5–19.0 cm,
Number of crimps: 2–6,
Actual length: 10.5–22.4 cm.
The physical properties of Afyon felt are as follows (maximum):
Absolute strength: 10.4 g,
Elasticity: 25.2 percent,
Felt breaking strength: 241.2 kPa,
Felt elongation: 148 percent,
Felt breaking stress: 2.49 kg/cm².
In Afyon felt production, the first shearing wool from specific lamb breeds and crossbreeds raised within the geographical boundary is used.
Çıbık / sepki: Used to fluff and evenly distribute wool; made from flexible, fibrous branches (davulga shrub, apple, mulberry, cherry).
Wool carding machine (Wool teasing machine): Cards and aerates wool, replacing the traditional method performed with bow and hammer.
Rolling machine: Ensures even felting of wool in roll form to produce raw felt.
Felt boiling machine: Hardens the felted material by exposing it to hot water and steam from a steam boiler.
Steam boiler: Generates the steam required for felting; operated by burning wood or coal.
Mat mold: Used to roll and contain the laid-out wool.
Mold sleeve: The felt fabric wrapped around the top of the mat mold during the rolling process.
Binder rope: A thick rope (jute, cotton, nylon) used to secure the mold sleeve during rolling to prevent unrolling.
Soap and grater: Olive oil-based mold soap or Arabic soap is used to facilitate and accelerate felting; the soap is grated to dissolve easily in water.
Comb: Used to clean wool after carding and to gently agitate the felted material as needed. Depending on production technique, Afyon felt is produced in varieties such as plain felt, embroidered felt, and notched felt. Each variety has its own unique production and felting/boiling processes. Finishing operations are carried out after boiling.
Edge trimming or hooking: The process of smoothing and rounding the edges of the felt.
Rinsing: Thorough rinsing with abundant water to remove soap residues.
Draining: Water is drained either by rolling the product and allowing it to stand vertically or by draining it while still in the mold, depending on the product type.
Pressing: A process similar to ironing, in which the surface is smoothed using a mallet or rod to remove wrinkles.
Drying: Flat products are dried on flat surfaces, while shaped products are dried within their molds.
Ironing: Optional ironing of felt fabrics as desired.
Shearing: Removal of wool tufts from the felt surface using blades or flame.
Storage: Protection against moisture, sunlight, and biological hazards during storage and transportation.
Afyon Felt (Generated by Artificial Intelligence)
Monitoring of Afyon felt production is carried out by a minimum three-member oversight body composed of experts from the Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Afyonkarahisar Municipality, and the Faculty of Fine Arts at Afyon Kocatepe University, coordinated by the Afyonkarahisar Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Inspections are conducted annually on a regular basis and may also be carried out at any time upon request or complaint. Inspection criteria include the suitability of the lamb breed and origin, the appropriateness of wool and other materials and tools, compliance with the production method, and correct use of the Afyon Felt label, logo, and geographical indication emblem.
The Afyon Felt label, logo, and geographical indication emblem must appear on the product itself or its packaging. In cases where they cannot be placed on the product or packaging, the logo and emblem must be displayed prominently within the production facility for easy visibility.
Product Definition and Distinctive Characteristics
Production Method
Monitoring
Usage Requirements