Mercantilism

Semercilik has been an indispensable craft passed down through centuries as an integral part of the shared life between humans and animals. Shaped by skilled hands, saddles serve not only as tools for carrying loads but also as a craft heritage that carries the traces of traditional culture.

A saddle is a traditional riding and load-carrying device placed on the backs of pack and riding animals such as donkeys, mules, horses, and camels. It is typically constructed by wrapping materials such as felt, leather, and reeds around a wooden frame. As the saddle serves to protect the animal’s back, its improper construction can cause serious harm; therefore, it must be produced with great care and precision. The artisans who practice this craft are called “semerci.”

Semercilik (AA)

Production Process and Technical Features

Although saddle-making varies slightly from region to region, the fundamental structure and production steps remain largely consistent:

Main Materials

• Wooden frame: Made from durable woods such as hornbeam, oak, plane, or poplar.
• Felt and leather: Provide softness and durability.
• Reed or bulrush: Used to fill the padding area.
• Telis, sackcloth, and blankets: Used for inner lining and outer covering.
• Kazil thread, sack cord, and wire: Used for stitching and assembly.
• Decorative elements: Tassels, beads, and colored cords (especially on riding saddles).

Production Stages

1. Frame Construction: The front and rear “kaş” pieces and side boards are assembled to form the saddle’s main frame.
2. Padding: Telis or sackcloth is sewn and filled with reed or bulrush to shape the cushioned surface.
3. Covering: Felt or carpet is sewn onto the upper surface, while softer felt is attached to the underside to ensure the animal’s comfort.
4. Assembly: The frame is placed onto the padded base and securely fastened.
5. Final Touches: The saddle is completed either simply or ornamentally, depending on its intended use.

Measurement and Craftsmanship

Measurements are typically determined by eye, a skill acquired only through years of experience. According to master artisans, saddle-making cannot be learned through verbal instruction alone; it must be learned through direct, hands-on experience within the master-apprentice relationship.

Semercilik (AA)

Regional Variations

Muş

In Muş, semercilik has survived as a purely manual art passed from father to son; however, unfortunately, the master-apprentice lineage has not been fully sustained. Frames are made from oak wood, bulrush is collected from Güroymak, and techniques were historically learned from Armenian artisans.

Konya and Surroundings

In the central villages of Konya, donkey saddles are common. There are two types: uzun semer (long) and kısa semer (forked). Production uses sackcloth, felt, and wooden materials. Saddle workshops are typically small and modest. Artisans work on a low bench, and saddles are displayed hanging from the ceiling.

Kahramanmaraş

Softened leather is mounted over felt “kürtün” pads. Wooden components are attached to the leather, while felt is sewn to the underside. Leather columns and rivets hold the parts together using a lacing technique. The economic returns of this trade are low.

Bursa

Influenced by agriculture and animal husbandry, saddle production in Bursa developed for both riding and load-carrying purposes. Saddles made with hornbeam frames, reed padding, and goat leather are produced either ornamentally or simply, depending on function. Miniature saddles are also crafted as tourist souvenirs.

Semercilik (AA)

Cultural Value and Transformation

Semercilik is not merely a craft but also a representative of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The knowledge transmitted through master-apprentice relationships, the materials used in production, the handmade tools, and the stories of the artisans serve as carriers of cultural memory. In Türkiye, semercilik is among the rare professions that meet UNESCO’s criteria for Intangible Cultural Heritage.