Comb Chestnut Comb

Taraklı Boxwood Comb is a traditional craft product made from boxwood trees grown in the Taraklı district of Sakarya province, using artisanal methods. Its most distinctive feature is its construction from durable, white-colored boxwood. The production of these combs requires skilled craftsmanship and begins with selecting boxwood trees with a trunk diameter greater than 15 cm. The trees are seasoned and, when necessary, soaked in water before being shaped through carving, cutting, and tooth formation.

Taraklı Boxwood Comb. (AA)

The width of the teeth is typically 2–3 mm, with a spacing of approximately 1.5 mm between them. A slight angle is given to the teeth to allow smoother gliding. In the final stage, the combs are sanded, smoothed, and, if desired, treated with aging or decorative engraving techniques to enhance their visual texture. Finished with a polish of beeswax and pine resin mixture, the combs are completed according to traditional production methods.

Production Process

Boxwood trees grown in Taraklı are preferred for their natural durability and color.

Processing Stages

• Boxwood trees are cut with an axe and properly seasoned.
• They are sawn into blocks (6–8 mm thickness, 8 cm width, 10 cm length).
• Tooth formation: Thick teeth are shaped with a coarse saw, while fine teeth are formed with a fine-toothed saw.
• A slight angle is given to the teeth, and their ends are rounded and smoothed.
• Decorative treatments may be applied using a heating tool if needed.
• The combs are dried in the sun and, optionally, painted and polished.

Manufacturing of Taraklı Boxwood Comb. (AA)

Geographical Indication Registration

The Taraklı Boxwood Comb has been registered as a geographical indication under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property. The registration application was submitted on 8 July 2020 and officially registered on 9 August 2021.

The geographical indication label and the official emblem are displayed on the product or its packaging. When not applicable on packaging, they are prominently displayed at the production site. Registration covers only production stages carried out within the defined geographical boundaries. Monitoring is conducted annually under the coordination of the Sakarya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, by the Taraklı Municipality and the Sakarya Taraklı Public Education Center.

Taraklı Boxwood Combs. (AA)

Cultural and Technical Continuity

Boxwood comb production in Taraklı is sustained by a small number of master artisans. This production serves both as a local livelihood and as a cultural heritage. Handcrafted combs made with skilled labor are among the symbolic values of Taraklı and play a significant role in promotional efforts. The transmission of production expertise by artisans is crucial for ensuring the craft’s continuity into the future.