Tokat Kızık Kilim

Tokat Kızık Kilim is a traditional handwoven product named after the village of Kızık in the province of Tokat, with a deep historical heritage. These kilims are entirely handwoven using 100% wool yarn and are distinguished by their fine and durable structure, original motifs, colors, and weaving techniques. Traditionally used as floor coverings, quilts, cushions, and wall hangings, Kızık kilims are now also utilized in bags, wallets, keychains, chairs, poufs, and various accessories. On December 19, 2024, the Tokat Provincial Directorate of National Education registered the Tokat Kızık Kilim as a geographical indication.

Tokat Kızık Kilim (Tokat Governorate)

Features and Motifs

Tokat Kızık Kilim is produced using a combination of flat weave, tilif (ilikli), and cicim weaving techniques. The ground of the kilims is woven using the flat weave technique, while the motifs are created with the tilif/ilikli technique; within the innermost areas, zigzag or curved patterns are raised using the cicim technique. The tight weaving of finely twisted wool yarns produces elegant and detailed designs. The primary colors used in the kilims are red, blue, green, and black. Traditionally, natural dyes derived from plant roots were used, though synthetic dyeing methods are now also preferred.

The most distinctive feature of Kızık kilims is their region-specific motifs, shaped according to local cultural beliefs, each carrying unique meanings:

• Finger motif: Represents strength, power, and protection against the evil eye.
• Curved line motif: Symbolizes virtuous, wise, noble life and eternity.
• Scorpion motif: Embodies protection against malicious intentions.
• Ram’s horn motif: Represents fertility and strength.
• Butterfly motif: Symbolizes spiritual freedom, delicacy, and lightness.

The motifs are stylized symbols woven into the kilim to express the weavers’ emotions, thoughts, joys, sorrows, desires, and fears. Along the edges of the designs, open spaces known as ajur or ilik, created using the tilif weaving technique, add a unique aesthetic to the kilims. In this technique, colored weft threads that alternate between upper and lower warp threads wrap around the final warp thread at the motif boundary, defining their contours. When applying motifs composed of horizontal and diagonal lines, vertical lines are woven in stepped patterns.

Production Process

Tokat Kızık Kilim is woven on portable wooden looms, typically made from pine wood. The loom is supported by wooden posts including the power post, warp post, and winding post. The production process consists of three main stages:

1. Design Preparation:
2. 1. The design is drawn on graph paper, with each vertical column representing a warp thread and each horizontal column representing a weft thread.
   2. Colors to be used in the design are colored in the corresponding squares on the graph paper according to the motifs.
   3. One horizontal row of squares is left blank between design threads to accommodate the tightening weft threads.
2. Warp Preparation:
3. 1. Warp threads, calculated according to the desired product size, are wound onto bobbins and transferred to the upper and lower heddles.
   2. The first thread is tied to the lower heddle, wrapped around the loom, and tensioned.
   3. The warp threads are wound three times around the loom, spaced at 1 cm intervals.
   4. The power board is fixed to the loom to prepare the warp threads for weaving in an alternating upper-lower pattern.
3. Weaving:
4. 1. Chain stitching is performed to enhance durability, and the weaving begins with 5 to 10 rows of a plain weave border.
   2. Weaving is carried out using the kilim technique according to the design chart; in motif areas, the cicim technique is applied by skipping 2 to 3 weft rows to form the pattern.
   3. After each design weft row, one row of tightening weft is inserted.
   4. The motif contours are completed using the tilif ajur technique, with warp threads alternating above and below, wrapped in the opposite color of the ground or motif.

Kızık Kilim on the Loom (AA)

Cultural Significance

Tokat Kızık Kilim is an important part of Tokat province’s cultural heritage. In the past, kilims were commonly given as dowry gifts to newlywed couples, woven to offer protection from misfortune and to bring good fortune.

Monitoring and Registration

The production of Tokat Kızık Kilim takes place exclusively within the province of Tokat, with all stages completed within this geographic boundary. The conformity of the kilims is annually inspected by a four-member oversight body composed of experts from the Tokat Provincial Directorate of Industry and Technology and the Tokat Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, under the coordination of the Tokat Provincial Directorate of National Education. Additional inspections are conducted as needed or upon complaint. During inspections, compliance with material standards, adherence to production methods, use of the tilif weaving technique, application of original motifs, and correct usage of the geographical indication emblem are verified.