Seydiler Kilim

Seydiler Kilim is a geographically indicated type of flat-woven rug produced in the Seydiler, Seki, Atlıdere, and Ören neighborhoods of the Seydikemer district in Muğla Province, Türkiye. Reflecting a deep-rooted weaving tradition, it was registered as a Protected Geographical Indication on February 3, 2020, under the Industrial Property Law No. 6769, and is protected by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Definition and Distinctive Features

Seydiler Kilim is a traditional handwoven textile in which the nomadic Yörük communities of the region express their lifestyle through unique colors and motifs. These kilims are used as runners, prayer rugs, or saddlebags, and are characterized by several distinctive elements:

• Fringe weave (Etek örgüsü): A 6–10 cm wide section woven before the main patterned area, typically featuring burgundy and blue tones with fine yellow lines.
• Motif structure: The field consists of nested rhombus patterns called farda or zini, composed of sawtooth-like motifs known as yantır.
• Edge motifs: Motifs such as koç boynuzu (ram’s horn / yarım sındı), koşan köpek (running dog), and gelin öldüren (bride killer) are arranged along the long and short borders. Depending on motif arrangement, kilims are termed single-toothed or double-toothed (tek tırnaklı / çift tırnaklı).
• Field description: The kilim is identified by the number of zini and the arrangement of the tırnak motifs (e.g., “three-zini double-toothed”).
• Central motifs: In the center of each zini appear motifs such as koca bıyık (big mustache / wolf’s mouth), çakmaca (hook), or bukağı (shackle).
• Border motifs: Surrounding the kilim is a karasu section containing tabak (ram’s horn) motifs. Additional areas like hesaplı su and ak direk are also enriched with traditional patterns.

Production Process

The production of Seydiler Kilim is a multi-stage process shaped by traditional knowledge and regional expertise. Each step carries both technical and cultural significance.

Yarn Preparation

In the past, yarn was made by cleaning sheep’s wool and spinning it with a spindle (tengerek / kirman) to the desired fineness. The yarns were dyed using locally grown plants. Today, weavers often use commercially produced warp and weft yarns, though pattern yarns are frequently dyed by hand using traditional methods. Colors are created using time-tested local dyeing techniques.

Dyeing and Mordanting

Before dyeing, yarns undergo a mordanting process, locally known as faşıllama or acımıklama, to fix and enhance the durability of the colors. Natural substances such as alum, bitter orange, lemon peel, spurge, and thyme are used as mordants.

The dyeing process varies depending on the color:

• Yellow: vine leaves, spurge, karamık root, and almond leaves
• Red/Burgundy: spurge, walnut shell, bitter orange, and synthetic dyes
• Dark tones (black, brown, camel): walnut, acorn, şahtere plant, and lye water
• Special blues (pot blue, sky blue): indigo combined with henna, barley, coffee, and garlic through long soaking periods

Each dyeing method reflects techniques refined and transmitted through generations of local weavers.

Tools and Equipment

Weaving is done on wooden looms locally known as “kilim ağacı.” The main parts of the loom include:

• Ok: upper and lower beams (levents)
• Yan ağaç: vertical side posts supporting the frame
• Kirkit (comb/beater): a light, long-handled tool with sparse teeth used to tighten the weft

Weaving Technique

Seydiler Kilim is woven using the plain weave (tabby / bezayağı) technique. The process includes the following stages:

1. Warp preparation: Yarn is wound in a figure-eight shape between two stakes — a process called dıdılamak.
2. Mounting on the loom: Warps are stretched onto the loom using metal rods.
3. Heddle setup: Warps are crossed and separated using the varangelen ağacı (gelenvaran) and tied to the kücü beam.
4. Weaving: The kilim begins with a chain weave and fringe section, followed by the patterned area. Each motif is woven in its traditional color. The piece is finished with fringe braiding and surface cleaning.

Each step represents a form of technical and cultural continuity sustained through generations.

Geographical Boundary and Cultural Connection

The motifs, compositions, and color schemes of Seydiler Kilim reflect the inherited craftsmanship of local artisans. For this reason, every stage of production must take place strictly within the defined geographical boundaries.

Inspection

Inspections are coordinated by the Fethiye Chamber of Commerce and Industry and carried out by a local expert committee. They evaluate the pattern structure, motif arrangement, dyeing methods, and use of the geographical indication at least once a year, or more frequently when required.