Gediksaray Weave

Gediksaray Weaving is a traditional handwoven textile unique to the province of Amasya. Registered on 19 July 2023 under Application No. 6769 of the Industrial Property Law, this product is a traditional textile bearing a geographical indication. The registration was carried out by the Amasya Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the weaving is associated with the province of Amasya due to its historical and cultural ties within its geographical boundaries.

Distinguishing Features and Product Variants

Gediksaray Weaving is produced by hand on two-legged, two- or four-frame looms using cotton or silk yarn and the mıymıy püsküllü technique. Yarn counts are 40/2 or 60/2 for cotton and 75/36 for silk. The color palette includes red as the dominant hue, along with black, yellow, white, green, and brown tones.

The motifs are symbols reflecting the emotions and thoughts of the local population. Among the most commonly used patterns are the comb, mevreş, snake back, hourglass, half of Amasya, and the whole of Amasya. The products are classified into three main categories:

• Mevreş Weaving: Typically used for tablecloths and sheets, featuring patterns such as snake back, zülüf comb, wick, and “half of Amasya”.
• Melez Weaving: Preferred for underwear production, incorporating double and single muhacir patterns.
• Tahtalı Weaving: A type woven with colored yarns spaced 2 cm apart, forming square patterns; particularly used in shirt production with the muhacir motif.

Production Method

Traditional handlooms are used in production, combined with various mechanical components: the loom frame, scissors, butterflies, warp bridge, tefe, foot pedals, comb, shuttle, cloth beam, and yarn types. The weaving process follows a repetitive sequence involving opening the shed, passing the shuttle, and beating the weft yarn.

Motifs are transferred to the warp from pattern templates drawn on graph paper. In the mıymıy püsküllü technique, three-ply yarns are pulled onto the surface with a hook; the frames are moved vertically using scissors and pedals. This system does not employ springs or weights.

Traditional Finishing

Textile products, except for table and side table covers, undergo a traditional mercerization process. In the method applied in Gediksaray, the fabric is soaked overnight in diluted cattle manure. It is then rinsed thoroughly with water to lighten the color, dried on earthen ground, and beaten to achieve softness and sheen.

Uses and Identity Elements

Gediksaray Weaving forms the basis of numerous products, ranging from shirts, pique fabric, bags, and quilts to decorative objects. Its inclusion in dowry chests within the geographical region reinforces its place in the cultural memory of the community.

Monitoring and Protection

All stages of production must take place within the boundaries of the province of Amasya. Monitoring is conducted at least once a year by a five-member expert team coordinated by the Amasya Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Criteria for monitoring include the suitability of materials used, the variety of motifs, and the weaving technique.