Seydiler Kilim

Seydiler Kilim is a geographical indication carpet type produced in the neighborhoods of Seydiler, Seki, Atlıdere, and Ören in the Seydikemer district of Muğla Province, reflecting a deep-rooted weaving tradition. It was officially registered as a geographical indication on 3 February 2020 under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and is protected by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Definition and Distinguishing Features

The Seydiler Kilim is a traditional weaving that expresses the lifestyle of the Yörük communities in the region through unique colors and motifs. These kilims, used for purposes such as floor coverings, prayer rugs, and saddlebags, have the following distinguishing features:

• Etek örgüsü (skirt weave): A 6–10 cm wide initial weaving composed of burgundy and blue threads along with fine yellow lines, woven before the patterned surface begins.
• Motif structure: The ground features equilateral rhombuses ("farda" or "zini") that expand inward from the outer edges. These shapes are formed by saw-toothed "yantır" motifs.
• Motifs on the edges: Motifs such as "ram’s horn (half-sındı)", "running dog", and "bride killer" are arranged along the long and short edges. Depending on the arrangement of motifs, kilims are classified as "single-clawed" or "double-clawed".
• Ground definition: Kilims are described using terms such as "three-zini, double-clawed" based on the number of zini motifs and the configuration of the claw motifs.
• Central motifs: At the center of each zini are motifs such as "koca bıyık (kurtağzı)", "çakmaca (hook)", and "bukağı".
• Peripheral motifs: The "karasu" section surrounding the four sides of the kilim contains the "tabak (ram’s horn)" motif. Other sections such as "hesaplı su" and "ak direk" are also enriched with additional motifs.

Production Process

The production of the Seydiler Kilim involves a multi-stage process shaped by traditional knowledge. Each step is specific to the region in both technical and cultural terms.

Yarn Preparation

In the past, yarn was obtained by cleaning sheep’s wool and spinning it to the desired fineness using a spindle (kirman). These yarns were dyed using plants native to the region. Today, weavers procure warp and pattern yarns ready-made. Pattern yarns are typically purchased uncolored, and dyeing is carried out using local methods. Colors are achieved through techniques refined over generations of experience.

Dyeing and Mordanting

Before dyeing, the yarns undergo a "mordanting" process to fix the dye and enhance durability. This process is locally known as "faşıllama" or "acımıklama". Natural substances such as alum, citrus fruit, lemon peel, mallow, and oregano are used as mordants.

Dyeing is performed using different plants and methods depending on the desired color. Each technique ensures the yarn’s resistance to environmental factors and the longevity of the motifs. For example:

• Yellow tones are achieved using grape leaves, mallow, karamık root, and almond leaves.
• Red and burgundy shades are obtained using mallow, walnut husk, citrus, and synthetic dyes.
• Dark tones such as black, brown, and camel brown are dyed using walnut, mulberry, alder, and ash water.
• Special shades such as pottery blue and sky blue are prepared by prolonged soaking of the yarn with indigo along with henna, barley, coffee, and garlic.

Each application is shaped by the accumulated knowledge passed down from generation to generation among local weavers.

Tools and Equipment

Weaving is carried out on wooden looms locally called "kilim ağacı". The parts of the loom are known by regional names:

• Ok: Upper and lower beams
• Yan ağaç: Vertical supports that hold the loom upright
• Kirkit (Tarak/Tokmak): A light, long-handled, sparsely toothed comb used to compact the pattern yarns

Weaving Technique

The Seydiler Kilim is produced using the "bezayağı" flat-weave technique. The weaving process consists of the following stages:

• Warp preparation: Yarns are wound between two stakes in a figure-eight pattern, a process known as "dıdılamak".
• Mounting on the loom: The warp threads are stretched using iron rods and secured onto the loom.
• Gücü bağlama: Warp threads are crossed and separated using a "varangelen ağacı" (gelenvaran), then tied to a "kücü" board.
• Weaving: The process begins with chain weaving and the skirt weave, followed by the patterned ground. Each motif is woven in its traditional color and individually completed. The kilim is finished with fringe weaving and sweeping.

Each step in this process is preserved as part of a living transmission of technical and cultural heritage.

Geographical Boundary and Cultural Context

The motifs, composition, and color choices of the Seydiler Kilim are the product of artisanal skills transmitted across generations within the region. Therefore, all stages of production are carried out exclusively within the defined geographical boundaries.

Monitoring

Monitoring is conducted by a supervisory body composed of expert representatives from relevant local institutions under the coordination of the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The motif structure, pattern arrangement, dyeing methods, and proper use of the geographical indication are inspected at least once annually and as needed.