Yenihan Babies

Yenihan Dolls are cultural products made entirely by hand in the Yıldızeli district of Sivas Province, Türkiye. They derive their name from the district’s well-known historical name, “Yenihan.” They serve as a means of transmitting the social, cultural, and familial life, beliefs, clothing styles, and emotional world of the local community to future generations.

Yenihan Dolls (Yıldızeli District Governorship)

Technical Features

• The dolls’ skeletons are made of wood and mounted on a fixed base.
• The standard height is 43 cm, with the torso designed in a triangular shape.
• Production typically utilizes leftover fabric and thread remnants from the region, achieving a natural reuse.
• The fabric-stuffed head is attached to the torso; arms, socks, vests, and garments are assembled by hand.
• Accessories such as embroidered aprons and pouches are added, completed with headwear, fezzes, and necklaces.

Yenihan Dolls (Sivas Governorate)

Clothing and Decorations

Each Yenihan doll represents a distinct character. The garments worn are not merely aesthetic but also convey meaningful messages. Patterns and colors reflect the region’s traditional symbolism.

• A doll dressed in a yellow sock and a ram’s horn motif symbolizes a strong household yet one afflicted by illness.
• A doll with a floral motif on its apron represents the arrival of spring and engagement in agriculture.
• A doll wearing a black headscarf symbolizes hardship.
• A headscarf tied with a side-tightening headband signifies pressure from in-laws.
• Dolls wearing fezzes represent bridal attire, worn only during weddings and engagements in the region. The fezzes are adorned with gold tassels.
• Female figures are decorated with beads, sequins, and glass stones; male figures feature elements indicating social status, such as a leather wallet, felt hat, or leather sandals.
• Male characters vary in type, including muhtar, ağa, shepherd, and young man, each defined by specific garment details.

Yenihan Dolls (Yıldızeli Subgovernorship)

Geographical Indication and Registration

• The product is protected under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property as a geographical indication.
• Registration date: 09.10.2020; registered by the Yıldızeli District Governorship.
• All production stages must occur within the boundaries of Yıldızeli district.
• The term “Yenihan Dolls” and the geographical indication mark must appear on the product itself or its packaging.

Yenihan Dolls (Sivas Governorate)

Production and Inspection Process

• Production continues through courses organized at the Yıldızeli Public Education Center.
• Inspections are conducted annually by a committee of experts coordinated by the Yıldızeli District Governorship, and as needed.
• The inspection process includes details such as sock knitting patterns, headscarf tying methods, wooden skeleton structure, and symbolic usage.

Yenihan Dolls (Yıldızeli District Governorship)

Cultural Resilience and Promotion

Yenihan Dolls were officially registered as a trademark by the Turkish Patent Institute in 2012. They continue to exist as representatives of traditional culture in the digital age. They attract significant attention at promotional fairs, drawing visitors from outside the region through their character diversity and folkloric details.