Sivrihisar Cebesi

Sivrihisar Cebesi is a traditional handcrafted jewelry type produced in the Sivrihisar district of Eskişehir. This registered product, distinguished by its mahreç motif, is crafted into delicate and wide-shaped bracelets or necklaces by weaving 22-karat gold or 925 sterling silver wires in a carpet-like technique. Its production relies entirely on manual craftsmanship and employs original methods that reflect the cultural heritage of the region.

Sivrihisar Cebesi (Anadolu Agency)

Historical Background and Geographic Definition

Cebes produced in Sivrihisar since the 1600s have gained their reputation exclusively through production processes confined within the geographic boundaries of the Sivrihisar district. To preserve the product’s traditional structure, all stages of production, processing, and finishing must be carried out within these defined limits.

Distinctive Features

Sivrihisar Cebesi is characterized by a “fishback” appearance when viewed from above and parallel straight lines when viewed from below. Compared to Trabzon cebes, it uses thicker micron wires, making it more durable and advantageous in use. Standard, uniform, and tight weaving techniques are applied in wirework; the quality of the weave directly affects the value of the product.

Production Process

Production consists of five main stages:

1. Weaving: On a specialized loom made of four copper plates approximately 1 cm wide, gold or silver wires with a thickness of 55 microns and a length of 17–19 meters are woven. Each wire segment is joined to the previous one by soldering. Once the weaving is complete, the piece is separated from the copper plates using beeswax and heat; a relief technique is then applied to the central core.
2. Cleaning: The cebes is heated to remove residual beeswax and then boiled in sulfuric acid for 3–5 minutes. It is subsequently washed with water and brushed with a wire brush, then dried.
3. Attachment of the Clasp: Decorative plates and clips made from the same material as the product are mounted on both ends of the cebes, which have been cut flat. The motifs, crafted using penwork, are typically floral or geometric in design. The clips are shaped using the casting method.
4. Cleaning and Polishing: After the clasp is attached, borax residues are removed. The product is polished using milling tools.
5. Gilding or Silver Plating: In the final stage of production, an electroplating process applies a gold or silver coating for approximately 30 seconds.

The production process takes an average of one week. Due to the physical strength required, this craft is predominantly carried out by male artisans. The intricate wirework details in the key sections of the cebes add aesthetic depth to the product.

Sivrihisar Cebesi Production Stage (Anadolu Agency)

Monitoring Process

A three-member monitoring body established under the coordination of the Eskişehir Chamber of Commerce conducts at least one inspection per year at every stage of the production chain. Numerous factors, from the purity of the wire used to the production method, are controlled within the framework of Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property.