Tokat Manuscript

Tokat Yazması is a traditional craft product unique to the province of Tokat. With a history spanning over 600 years, it represents a continuous cultural tradition from the Seljuk period to the Ottoman era. Registered with a geographical indication on 26 February 2020, this product belongs to the category of non-woven handicrafts and is protected by geographical indication status, meaning it can only be produced within the province of Tokat.

Tokat Yazmaları (Tokat Governorate)

Historical Background

During the Seljuk period, Tokat Yazması was decorated with geometric patterns that reflected the artistic sensibilities of the time. In the Ottoman era, these textiles were reserved exclusively for Valide Sultans, and artisans in Tokat’s caravanserais made their livelihood through this craft. Evliya Çelebi praised Tokat Yazması for its white-pink fabric being “adorned like gold.” To preserve its exclusivity, production of this craft was banned in other cities during the Ottoman period.

Production Techniques and Materials

The production of Tokat Yazması involves three essential elements: fabric, stamp, and dye.

• Fabric: Fabrics made of 100 percent cotton with a tight weave and thread counts of 60–100 warp and weft are used. Local weaves such as Mermerşahi, American fabric (kaput bezi), and tulband are preferred.
• Stamp: Stamps are made exclusively from linden wood. The areas to be carved are immersed in a mixture of beeswax and paraffin to facilitate carving and extend the stamp’s lifespan.
• Dye: Natural, plant-based, chemical, or mineral dyes may be used. The dye applied to cotton fabric does not fade over time and does not run when washed.

Pattern and Coloring Techniques

Three primary techniques are employed in Tokat Yazması:

1. Kalem işi: Coloring is done by brush, similar to painting on a canvas.
2. Kalıp-kalem işi: Outlines are stamped, and inner areas are colored with a brush.
3. Stamp techniques:

Renklendirme (Tokat Governorate)

Patterns and Compositions

The most common motifs in Tokat Yazması are plant-based. Major compositional types include:

• Full surface coverage: Tokat elmalısı, Tokat kirazlısı, aynalı yazma
• Square layout: Tokat beşlisi, onaltı fulyalı, Tokat üzümlüsü
• Bordered with open center: Purket, kaynana yumruğu, Trabzon kenar
• Rectangular layout: Sinekli hamamiye, Şam hamamiye
• Other unique names: Kilitli yazma, Çengelköy, Laleli, Kestaneli

These motifs carry symbols of the local culture, transforming Tokat Yazması into not merely a handicraft but also a narrative medium.

Kalıp Örneği (Tokat Governorate)

Geographical Link and Oversight

All production stages must take place within the boundaries of the province of Tokat. Production and marketing processes are inspected at least once a year under the coordination of the Tokat Municipality, Gaziosmanpaşa University, the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and the Provincial Directorate of Industry and Technology. These inspections aim to maintain quality and preserve traditional methods.