Urgancılık (Child)

Twining is the art of making rope, cord, and string from the fibers of plants such as hemp, cotton, wool, and jute like. These fibers are twisted or wound to produce ropes of varying thickness and length. The word “urGAN” derives from the Old Turkish verb “urmak” (to wind, to twist) and means thick rope.

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The History of Twining

Twining is one of the oldest handicrafts in human history. Evidence of twining dates back to around 4000 BCE in Mesopotamia. As humans transitioned to settled life, they required rope and cord for agriculture and animal husbandry, leading to the development of urgency.

Twining in Ancient Civilizations

• Mesopotamia: The Sumerians and Akkadians used hemp-made twining in agriculture and construction.
• Egypt: The Egyptians used twining for ships and securing sails. Some tombs depict individuals engaged in twining.
• Anatolia: The Hittites and Phrygians also made rope from hemp fibers.

Twining in the Ottoman Period

During the Ottoman period, twining was vital for naval and agricultural activities.

• Black Sea Region: Kastamonu and Canik (Samsun) were centers supplying the Ottoman navy with twining.
• Tire: It is said that the twining used by Fatih Sultan Mehmet to drag his ships overland was produced in Tire.

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Twining in the Republican Era and Today

During the Republican era, traditional twining continued, but industrialization and the widespread use of synthetic materials reduced its importance. Restrictions on hemp cultivation further hindered twining production. Today, workshops producing twining using traditional methods are found in regions such as Kastamonu, Tire, and Vezirköprü still.

How Is Twining Made?

1. Preparing the Fibers: Fibers from plants such as hemp are beaten and combed.
2. Twisting Process: The fibers are twisted by hand or using tools such as a spindle to form rope.
3. Rope Production: These ropes are combined to create thicker twining or cordage.
4. Smoothing: The produced twining is smoothed through a rubbing process.

Types of Twining and Their Uses

• Kınnap: Thin ropes.
• Sicim: Thicker and more durable ropes.
• Urgan: Used for packaging and tying.
• Halat: Used in heavy tasks such as shipbuilding.
• Yular: Used for tethering animals.

Twining has been used in agriculture, animal husbandry, maritime activities, and construction. Today, it continues to be used for both functional and decorative purposes.

Twining Today

Although the widespread adoption of synthetic materials has caused twining to lose its former significance, this tradition is still preserved in certain regions. Moreover, renewed interest in natural materials may help revive twining as a popular craft.

This ancient trade maintains its importance as a heritage passed down from different historical periods to the present day.