Sivas El Halısı

Sivas hand-knotted carpet is a type of fine, densely woven carpet made entirely of wool, produced using traditional methods specific to the Sivas province of Türkiye. This carpet was officially registered by the Sivas Municipality and protected under geographical indication after being announced in the Official Gazette on 01.09.1996.

Sivas El Halısı (Sivas Governorate)

Technical Characteristics

The most distinctive feature of the Sivas hand-knotted carpet is its production using a dense weaving technique with 100% wool material. Due to the fine and highly twisted warp threads, the number of knots per square meter is very high. In the “Extra” category of Sivas carpets, there are at least 3,490 knots per square meter, while in other Sivas carpets this number is approximately 2,425. The pile height ranges from 3.5–4.5 mm in extra carpets and 4.5–5 mm in others.

During weaving, the knots are tightly compressed after each row by striking them firmly with a comb, enhancing the carpet’s durability and dense structure. To ensure softness, the knots are combed every second row. The materials used include cotton and wool for the warp, weft, and pile threads; the total material weight is approximately 4,645 grams per square meter.

Sivas El Halısı (Sivas Governorate)

Design and Color Features

Sivas hand-knotted carpets typically use the Persian (sine) knot technique. The designs show influences from Seljuk and Persian carpets. Carpets are named according to their patterns, such as “lalezar,” “çeşmibülbül,” “yılanlı,” and “çamurlu”; some are named after the region where they are woven (e.g., Tuzlukçu). Contrasting colors are avoided, and at least twelve different colors are used. The most common colors are navy blue, red, and their shades, giving the carpets an elegant and harmonious appearance.

Applications

Sivas hand-knotted carpets vary according to their intended use:

• Makat (Sedir Halısı): Decorative carpets used on sedir (traditional wooden platforms).
• Halı Yastık (Yastık Yüzü): Small carpets used as pillow covers.
• Duvar Halısı: Carpets hung on walls for decorative purposes.
• Taban Halısı: Large carpets used as floor coverings.
• Tüllüce: A special type of carpet, typically woven with fine craftsmanship.
• Namazlık (Seccade): Small carpets used for prayer.
• Heybe ve Çanta: Woven products traditionally used as carrying bags.

Sivas El Halısı (Sivas Governorate)

Historical and Current Status

Sivas hand-knotted carpets have developed over the past two to three centuries as a significant craft in Sivas and its surrounding regions. However, in recent times, rural-to-urban migration, the shift toward alternative livelihoods, and the declining number of master artisans have caused the craft to lose its former prominence. Nevertheless, efforts by the Sivas Provincial Directorate, the Semi-Open Prison, and certain district governorships aim to preserve this traditional craft and provide a source of income for the local population.

Sivas El Halısı (Sivas Governorate)

Monitoring and Quality Control

The geographical indication protection of the Sivas hand-knotted carpet is monitored in accordance with Article 20 of the Decree-Law No. 555 on the Protection of Geographical Indications. Production processes are rigorously inspected by Regional Directorates, Factory Directorates, and the Quality Control Commission to ensure compliance with established standards.