This article was automatically translated from the original Turkish version.
The art of telkâri, developed in the Midyat district of Mardin Province, encompasses handcrafted products made by assembling and working with fine silver threads. Midyat telkâri is a regional craft that holds a place among traditional handicrafts and continues to serve both cultural and economic functions in the present day.
Although precise historical records regarding the origins of telkâri in Midyat are limited, this craft has been preserved for centuries as a tradition passed from master to apprentice. According to sources from the District Governorship, Provincial Administration, and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, telkâri production in Midyat remains an important example of local handicrafts.
Telkâri products are created through the manual shaping of silver threads. After the silver is melted and drawn into fine wires, it is shaped according to the desired design, soldered, and polished. The production primarily uses 1000-grade pure silver, and in some items, silver is combined with gold. The process demands intensive manual labor, and the quality of the products varies according to the skill level of the artisan.
Telkâri Art in Practice (Anadolu Agency)
Midyat telkâri includes a variety of decorative items, jewelry, home décor objects, and souvenirs. The types of products vary according to their intended use. Today, production encompasses both traditional and modern designs. In recent years, the number of works produced by female artisans has increased significantly.
In 2021, the geographical indication registration process for Midyat telkâri was completed, officially recognizing the craft. This registration ensures the product’s association with its region of origin and provides legal protection. Statements issued by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Provincial Administration emphasize the role of telkâri in preserving the cultural heritage of the region.
In Midyat, the craft of telkâri is primarily learned through the apprenticeship system. Some workshops in the district are known to employ women as master artisans who produce items and pass the trade on to future generations. In this regard, telkâri is regarded not only as a traditional mode of production but also as a social process of transmission.
Examples of Telkâri Art (Anadolu Agency)
History and Spread
Production Process
Product Range
Geographical Indication and Registration
Artisanship and Intergenerational Transmission