Kozağaç İkitelli Curacy

Kozağaç İkitelli Cura is a two-stringed folk instrument associated with the village of Kozağaç in the Çavdır district of Burdur Province, playable with a plectrum (tezene) or by hand. It was officially registered with a geographical indication on June 20, 2023, and its production and use are regulated under this designation.

• The İkitelli cura traditionally features four strings arranged in two groups, one on top and one on the bottom.
• Hand-playing techniques include pushing, pulling, strumming, tapping, and slapping the strings.
• The body is typically shaped like a pear, oval, teardrop, or axe; the neck is not straight but curves at the junction with the body, enhancing durability.
• The cura is made from red pine and mulberry wood; alternative hardwoods such as walnut may be used but are not preferred due to inferior tonal qualities.
• The length of the neck and string measurements are calculated based on the body size; the ideal pegbox length is 12–14 cm and the string thickness ranges from 0.15 to 0.18 mm.

• Wood selection and preparation form the foundation of production; preferably, single-piece, five-year-dried, branch-free logs are used.
• The body is carved and shaped using specialized chisels and iron tools.
• The neck and body are fitted together using the “V” joint method and secured with wood glue.
• The soundboard is shaped with a convex curve; this form prevents unwanted sounds during playing.
• The area where the strings are attached on the neck is convexed by 0.3 mm to ensure that hand contact does not disrupt sound integrity.
• Tuning pegs, string holes, upper and lower bridges, and the central bridge are precisely measured and crafted.
• The instrument is polished using gomalak polish.

• The instrument has four sound holes, each 7 mm in diameter, which mature and project the sound over long distances.
• The sides of the body are recessed by 0.5 mm to create a convex contour, improving control during playing.

Production must occur entirely within the boundaries of the village of Kozağaç in the Çavdır district of Burdur Province. Oversight is conducted annually by a three-member authority composed of experts from the Kozağaç Social Assistance and Solidarity Association, the Kozağaç Village Headmanship, and the Çavdır Subprovince Governorship. The suitability of raw materials, compliance with manufacturing methods, and correct use of the geographical indication are all verified.