Van Savatlı Silverwork

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi is a traditional craft that involves applying a mixture known as savat onto a silver surface. Savat is a black compound made by combining lead, silver, copper, and sulfur; it derives its name from the Arabic word “esvad” (black), which over time evolved into “savat.” The savat technique has been used on a variety of items including cigarette holders, tobacco trays, horse saddles, prayer beads, and jewelry.

Archaeological findings indicate that the savat technique has been in use since the Chalcolithic Age. Between 1350 and 900 BCE, it was applied by the Urartian and Hurrian civilizations. It is believed to have been introduced to Anatolia through Turkic groups from the Caspian region. During the Ottoman period, savat craftsmanship enjoyed a golden age lasting approximately 150 years, particularly in the decoration of weapons and valuable objects. In the provinces of Van and Diyarbakır, artisans were granted the authority to stamp silver of 900 fineness with the imperial cipher (tughra); before World War I, around 400 savat masters and apprentices were active in Van.

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi (Turkish Patent and Trademark Office)

Products and Distinctive Features

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi is applied to handicraft items other than carpets, kilims, and textiles. When applying savat, silver of less than 900 fineness is not used; the ideal fineness is 950. The savat material is applied onto the silver surface using fine-tipped steel styluses to create intricate motifs and patterns.

Used Motifs

• God Haldi Motif: A symbol associated with Haldi, the war god of the Urartians.
• Tulip and Inverted Tulip Motif: Native to the Anatolian region, representing melancholy and legend.
• Van Cat Motif: Depicts the regional Van cat, known for its love of water and distinctive eye colors.
• Pearl Carp (Van Fish) Motif: Represents the fish found in Lake Van and Lake Erçek; it holds significant economic and cultural importance for the local population.

Production Method

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi consists of four stages:

1. Preparation of Savat: Four parts copper, four parts lead, one part silver, and sufficient sulfur are mixed, melted, cooled, hammered, and ground into a fine powder. The savat paste is then applied to the silver surface by spreading it or filling engraved grooves. In recent years, the “drawing” technique has enabled savat to be applied directly to the object in rod form.
2. Preparation of the Silver Surface: Motifs and patterns are drawn on the item, and fine channels are engraved using steel-tipped styluses.
3. Application of Savat: The savat paste is placed into the engraved grooves and heated to fuse it with the silver surface.
4. Filing and Polishing: The finished product is shaped and polished using files and polishing tools.

Main tools used include melting crucibles, steel-tipped styluses, pliers, tweezers, hammers, anvils, files, milling bits, clamps, polishing motors, and wire brushes.

Monitoring and Protection

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi was registered for protection under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property on 23 November 2017, effective from 28 July 2017 (Registration No: 242, Application No: C2017/071). Production is monitored by a commission composed of representatives from the Van Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Vocational School, the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and the Directorate of Public Education. Inspections are carried out during production, marketing, and sales stages; artisans’ documentation, materials used, and production methods are verified.

Geographical Boundary and Usage

Van Savatlı Gümüş İşlemesi is produced exclusively within the boundaries of Van Province and may only be marked with the “Van” stamp. Today, production continues in four workshops in Van and is also in demand on international markets.