Rope-making refers to the craft of producing ropes, cords, and halyards of various lengths and thicknesses by twisting or coiling fibrous materials such as hemp, flax, cotton, wool, and jute using a variety of traditional techniques. This profession requires the use of equipment ranging from simple hand tools to complex mechanisms. The term "rope" (Urgan in Turkish) is derived etymologically from the Old Turkish verb "urmak," meaning "to coil" or "to twist," and it signifies a thick rope. In Uyghur, it is known as "urk" or "örk," and it is mentioned as "örgen" in the historical lexicon Divânü Lûgâti't-Türk.

^{(Source: Ak Kendir / Instagram)}

The History of Rope-Making

The history of rope-making traces back to one of humanity's oldest handicrafts. Findings indicate that rope production began around 4000 BCE in the civilizations of Mesopotamia. Societies transitioning from a nomadic lifestyle to settled agriculture are believed to have developed rope-making to produce the ropes, cords, and halyards required for farming and livestock activities.

Rope-Making in Ancient Civilizations

• Mesopotamia: Sumerian and Akkadian texts include terms referring to ropes, indicating the widespread practice of this craft in Mesopotamia. Ropes, typically made from hemp, were used in a variety of fields, from construction to agricultural activities.
• Egypt: By 3000 BCE, Egyptians were using ropes in shipbuilding and for securing sails. A tomb inscription in Thebes depicts a man and a child making rope, highlighting the significance of this craft.
• Anatolia: In Hittite texts, terms for ropes appear, and excavations in the Phrygian capital of Gordion have uncovered ropes made of hemp fibers.

Rope-Making During the Ottoman Period

In the Ottoman era, rope-making became a strategic profession, essential to both naval operations and agricultural activities. Historical records show that the craft was state-supported in various provinces and played a significant role in local economies.

• Canik and Kastamonu: These Black Sea regions were major suppliers of ropes for the Ottoman navy.
• Tire: According to legend, the ropes used by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror to transport ships overland were crafted by artisans from Tire, which was renowned as a center of rope-making during the Ottoman period.

Rope-Making in the Republican Era and Modern Times

• Traditional rope-making continued during the Republican era, but the craft declined due to industrialization and the emergence of alternative materials. Legal restrictions on hemp cultivation further hampered the supply of raw materials. However, with the reauthorization of hemp cultivation in 2016, the craft has seen partial revitalization.

^{A Lady Making Urgan with Traditional Methods (Source: Denizli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism)}

Production Stages and Methods

The process of rope production begins with the beating and combing of hemp fibers. These fibers are then twisted into threads using hand-operated or mechanical tools, such as spindles or wheels. The threads are subsequently woven into multi-strand ropes using electric machinery. Throughout the process, felts or bristles are used to soften and arrange the fibers. The ropes are smoothed through silking and polishing before being wound into coils for sale in markets or upon order.

Types of Ropes

Ropes are classified based on thickness, length, and intended use:

• Twine: Thin and lightweight cords.
• String: Thicker and more durable than twine.
• Rope: Standard thickness, used for bundling and tying.
• Cable: The thickest and most durable, typically used in maritime applications.
• Leads and Halters: Specialized ropes for tethering or guiding animals.

Applications of Rope-Making

Rope-making has served diverse sectors, including agriculture, animal husbandry, maritime industries, construction, and textiles. Ropes have been used for tying livestock on farms, bundling crops in fields, and securing sails on ships. In the Ottoman era, ropes had strategic applications, from shipbuilding to transporting heavy artillery. In modern times, ropes are widely utilized in agriculture, logistics, and even architecture and decoration for their aesthetic appeal.

The Present State of Rope-Making

With advancements in modern technology and the widespread adoption of synthetic materials, the craft of rope-making has significantly declined. Nonetheless, it continues to survive in some regions through small-scale workshops, particularly in areas like Kastamonu, Tire, and Vezirköprü, where artisans strive to keep this traditional craft alive.