Şarkışla Kilim

Şarkışla kilim is a registered handicraft product woven on handlooms in the Şarkışla district of Sivas Province using wool yarn. These kilims are typically rectangular or rhombus-shaped and feature dense geometric patterns arranged symmetrically. They stand out as a regional folkloric product due to their traditional production methods and rich repertoire of motifs.

Product Characteristics

The primary material of the Şarkışla kilim is fine wool yarn used for both warp and weft. The surface of the kilim contains rectangular or rhombus-shaped motifs incorporating plant and animal symbols. These motifs are interwoven to form a symmetrical design. The dominant colors are red, blue, green, black, and orange. The patterns are typically woven on a background following the principle of 1/4 symmetry.

Some of the traditional motifs used in the kilim and their meanings are as follows:

Production Method

The Şarkışla kilim is woven using two distinct techniques: flat weave and cicim. The entire production process is carried out entirely by hand on wooden or metal looms using only a shuttle. The production stages include:

• Warp Preparation: Two people must work together to wind the warp yarn onto the loom with perfect tension. The warp yarn is wound around the top and bottom beams until the desired width of the kilim is achieved. Wool yarn is used for both warp and weft. The wool warp yarn is wound onto the loom at 1 mm intervals, which determines the density of the kilim.

• Tensioning: The warp threads are tied together with a thick cord wrapped around the tensioning beam. The warp threads are then separated so that some lie in front and others behind, and the heddles are inserted between them. On wooden looms, tension is applied using wedges; on metal looms, it is adjusted using tension screws.

• Beginning Weaving: Weaving begins with the “mouth opening” process, in which a white thread is passed through the warp threads five to ten times (depending on the size of the kilim) to form a chain. No shuttle is used in this stage.

• Weaving: Fine, twisted weft threads dyed with root dyes are passed between the warp threads using the shuttle and secured with the beater. Weft threads are only finished at the ends of the kilim; for intermediate motifs, a single continuous thread is used, typically drawn from a wooden bobbin measuring 10–12 cm in length.

• Finishing: As the woven area increases, the warp is loosened and turned backward. When the desired size is reached, the kilim is completed by pulling the chain as at the beginning. The kilim is removed from the loom by cutting the warp threads. The remaining 10–12 cm of warp threads are tied into braids or tassels.

Geographical Boundary

The geographical boundary of the Şarkışla kilim is defined as the Şarkışla district of Sivas Province. Because this folkloric product is renowned for its motif richness and weaving technique, which require high craftsmanship, all stages of production must occur within this geographical boundary.

Monitoring

The monitoring of the geographical indication for the product is carried out by a monitoring body established under the coordination of the Şarkışla District Governorate. This body consists of one handicrafts teacher and one master kilim instructor assigned to the Şarkışla District Community Education Center. Inspections are conducted annually on a regular basis, as well as upon complaint or when deemed necessary. The monitoring body may consult expert individuals or legal entities or procure services during inspections.

The criteria used during inspections are as follows:

• Use of wool yarn.
• Use of root dyes.
• Presence of at least two colors from red, blue, green, black, and orange.
• Use of at least five motifs specified in the production method section.
• Presence of 1/2 or 1/4 symmetry in the kilim or its motifs.
• Written geographical indication “Şarkışla Kilimi” on the lower right corner of the kilim or its motif.