Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilim

Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilim is a traditional craft produced in the Tahtaköprü region of the Vezirköprü district in Samsun Province, Türkiye, rooted in the area’s weaving heritage. Shaped by the region’s cultural accumulation, these kilims have been officially registered as a geographical indication. Woven with wool yarn, they attract attention through their aesthetic and functional qualities, reflecting the historical and cultural heritage of the local people.

^{Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilims} (AA)

Vezirköprü is a region where weaving is among the oldest known crafts. Surface surveys, particularly at the Tepecik Settlement Site in Adatepe Village, have uncovered artifacts dating to the Bronze Age (3000–1200 BCE), revealing that the local population was deeply engaged in weaving and likely engaged in external trade. This long tradition forms the foundation of the regional identity of the Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilim. ^【1】

Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilims are primarily woven using yarn spun from sheep’s wool; goat hair is also used in some cases. In the past, yarn was hand-spun and dyed with root dyes by local artisans, while today, ready-made wool yarn and synthetic dyes are also commonly used. The weaving process is carried out using traditional tools such as the loom, warp, weft, and beater. The loom consists of local components known as mazı, kücü, vargel and kol. Warp threads are mounted on the loom, the vargel is used to separate the warp threads, and the mönük—a ball of wool yarn wound by hand—is passed between the warp threads and compacted with the beater. This technique ensures the durability of the kilims and the clarity of their patterns.

^{A Woman Weaving a Kilim} (AA)

One distinguishing feature of these kilims is their coloring with root dyes derived from plants native to the region, in addition to the use of wool for its thermal insulation properties. Traditionally, kilims dominated by red tones also incorporate madder blue, orange, black, and small amounts of green. Additionally, a locally distinctive type known as “çöpür kilim” is woven using goat hair without dye, featuring white patterns on a black background.

Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilims are based on two primary motif styles:

1. Classic Vezirköprü Style: A simple yet distinctive pattern featuring horn and hook motifs arranged along vertical lines.
2. Turkmen Style: Richly decorated patterns with motifs common in Turkmen kilims, such as hand-on-hip, hook, horn, and braided hair designs.

The motifs on the kilims are typically named after elements from nature and local objects. For example, patterns such as “topalca,” “garabel,” “sandık,” “çoban iliği,” “etlik,” “koram,” “sazı,” “kençe,” “kudret nakışı,” “göbek nakışı,” and “arpa dikişi” derive their names from local plants or aspects of daily life. The “kençe” motif, in particular, takes its name from a local plant and is associated with an orange-yellow hue. The color palette generally consists of four main colors: kençe color (orange-yellow), gök (navy blue), sarı (light red), and white.

Decorative braided cords known as the “four-hand motif,” woven with fingers along the edges of bags and pouches, are also notable. These motifs enhance both the aesthetic and functional value of the kilims.

^{Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilims} (AA)

Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilims hold an important place in regional culture due to their diverse applications. They have been used as floor coverings in homes, as part of bridal trousseaux, as decorative elements in guest rooms, as woven bags (öynük) for carrying food or children to the fields, and as heybe (traditional shoulder bags).

The Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilim was registered as a geographical indication by the Vezirköprü Municipality on 25 June 2018 under Law No. 6799 on Industrial Property. Monitoring is conducted by a control center established under the coordination of the Vezirköprü Municipality, with participation from the Vezirköprü Sub-Governorship, the Vezirköprü Chamber of Trades and Crafts, and community representatives. Annual inspections are carried out regularly, with additional inspections conducted in cases of suspicion. During inspections, the use of wool yarn, adherence to the two main pattern styles (Classic Vezirköprü and Turkmen), and the correct use of colors and motifs are verified.

^{Women Weaving Kilims} (AA)

The production tradition of the Vezirköprü Tahtaköprü Kilim is sustained through community education courses. These courses help preserve the continuity of local weaving practices and contribute to the protection of the kilims’ cultural and historical characteristics. While the use of modern materials has simplified production, efforts continue to maintain the original character of the kilims.