Cimil Sock is a handicraft product traditionally produced in Cimil Village, İkizdere District, Rize Province, Türkiye, and registered as a designation of origin on January 30, 2023. The registration process began with an application dated March 8, 2022, and was completed before the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office of the Republic of Türkiye in the category of “Socks / Handicraft products other than carpets, rugs and weaves.” The registration application was made by the İkizdere District Governate. The geographical indication phrase “Cimil Çorabı” and the relevant designation of origin emblem must be visibly used on the product itself, on its packaging, or, if not possible, in the production area.

^{Rize Cimil Sock, (Generated by artificial intelligence.)}

Technical Specifications

Cimil Sock is a traditional product knitted using the plain knit technique with five knitting needles. The sock has a total of eight openwork ribs: four 2-stitch and four 4-stitch. These openwork ribs give flexibility to the sock and ensure it is comfortable to wear despite its length. In the making of Cimil Sock, plain knitting, patterned knitting, colorful patterned knitting, and openwork knitting techniques are used together.

The patterns are shaped by the auxiliary yarn throw method applied while knitting the sock. Although in the past only sheep's wool yarns were used in the production of the product, today, in addition to wool yarn, synthetic, acrylic, or mixtures of these yarns are also preferred.

Patterns and Compositions

The patterns used in Cimil Sock are specific to the cultural heritage of Cimil Village. These patterns are divided into six basic categories: geometric, figurative, botanical, symbolic, animal, and object-based. Various composition forms, where more than one pattern is combined on the same sock, can be used. Colors and patterns vary according to the gender and age of the person who will wear the sock.

Some commonly used pattern names are:

• Geometric and symbolic patterns: Vavs, Crosses, Shins
• Patterns specific to children: Flies, Enamel, Revolving, Bird's Eye
• Botanical patterns: Plum Leaf, Crown Flower, Purput (Judas Tree), Pine Tree, Asparagus
• Object-based patterns: Cauldron Handle, Cecin, Lenses, Elbows
• Patterns specialized by age groups: Elbow-turning (different variations available for young and old)

These patterns are generally embroidered in colors that contrast with the background color. While in the past only red background color was used, today different main colors are also preferred. The threads used for pattern work – called “pulluk” – are generally in colors like green or blue and are thinner than the sock yarn.

Production Method

Cimil Sock begins to be knitted from the toe part with five pairs (ten stitches). The desired length is reached by increasing stitches, and the knitting is completed below the knee. After the increase process is completed, the knitting continues in a round shape for the sole and front part and is finished. All stages of knitting the sock are carried out by hand and using traditional methods.

Cultural Connection and Geographical Boundary

The production of Cimil Sock is carried out only within the geographical boundaries of Cimil Village, İkizdere District, Rize Province. The product's history is linked to the historical and cultural fabric of the village. In Cimil Village, it is a traditional practice to have 10 to 15 pairs of Cimil Socks in dowry chests.

Terms of Use

The phrase 'Cimil Çorabı' and the designation of origin emblem must be visibly placed on the product or its packaging. If this is not possible, this phrase and emblem must be kept easily visible at the production facility.

^{Rize Cimil Sock, (Generated by artificial intelligence.)}

Inspection Process

All stages concerning the production, processing, and final product of Cimil Sock are regularly controlled by designated inspection mechanisms. The inspection process is carried out under the coordination of the İkizdere District Governate; by expert representatives designated from the İkizdere District Governate, İkizdere Municipality, and İkizdere District National Education Directorate. This team conducts regular inspections at least once a year. Furthermore, inspections can be re-applied in case of complaints or in other deemed necessary situations. The inspection covers the following elements:

• Suitability of material types used
• Adherence to the production method
• Conformity of product features to the definition
• Correct use of the geographical indication phrase and emblem

When necessary, the inspection authority may receive support from public or private sector organizations or expert individuals.