Yuntdağı handwoven carpet is a traditional carpet-making product produced within the borders of Manisa province, particularly in villages of Turkmen and Yörük origin in the Yuntdağı region. With a history dating back to the 14th century, these carpets feature unique motifs, colors, and technical characteristics that reflect the cultural heritage and artisanal knowledge of the region. The product was registered as a geographical indication with a Protected Geographical Indication on 14 November 1997 by the Manisa Metropolitan Municipality.

Geographical and Cultural Context

Carpets produced in the northern villages of Yuntdağı are woven by communities engaged in animal husbandry using local wool and natural dyes. Carpet weaving has been preserved as an integral part of traditional life in villages such as Pelitalan, Süngüllü, Karahüseyinli, Belen, Siyekli, and Yeniköy. Cooperatives established in Kozaklar and Örselli villages have supported the return to traditional features within the scope of the DOBAG (Natural Dye Plants Research and Development) Project.

Technical Features

Yuntdağı carpets are woven using the Turkish knot (Gördes technique) with wool warp, weft, and pile threads dyed with natural colors. Knot density ranges from 510 to 840 knots per dm², and pile height is 0.5–1 cm. The weft thread is usually red or brown. The starting and ending edges are woven with a loose kilim texture, and fringes are left long in a braided style. Edge bindings are usually a single color, though blue, red, and green may be interspersed at intervals of 15–20 cm.

Color and Dyeing

Dominant colors include dark blue, dark red, and beige. Additional shades include second and third water reds, second water blue, yellow, black, brown, fez red, oil green, and camel hair tones. Colors are obtained from natural sources such as root dyes, red soil, chamomile, onion peel, quince leaves, pomegranate peel, acorn, walnut leaves, oak fruits, and ash. Dyeing is carried out using mordanting techniques.

Motifs and Composition

Motifs in Yuntdağı carpets carry both aesthetic and symbolic meanings. The amulet motif is believed to protect against the evil eye. Borders feature motifs such as “sıçandişi,” beads, plane tree leaves, hands-on-hip figures, and rosettes. Inside the mihrab, there are eight-pointed stars, shepherd mirrors, and almond blossoms. Central motifs resemble hooks and keys. Carpets are categorized by design names such as “yeşilbaş,” “deveboynu,” and “plain form.” The “kara bulut” motif is used in border designs alongside the chicken foot motif.

Compositions are usually single or double-directional with a mihrab. The field is divided into four, six, eight, or twelve squares, referred to as “layered carpet,” with each layer decorated with geometric motifs called “ok.”

Types and Usage

Yuntdağı handwoven carpets vary according to their intended use:

• Prayer carpet (seccade): Most common type.
• Corner mat: Smaller than a prayer carpet, used to cover empty spaces.
• Cushion, pillow, bag carpet: Portable and functional types.
• Jug carpet (arheleç): Woven to carry jugs on the back.
• Floor carpet: Larger than a prayer carpet; names vary by design, such as “karabulut,” “develi,” “yeşilbaş,” or “tabakalı.”

Production and Supervision

Carpet production, including wool procurement, dyeing, and weaving, must be carried out within the borders of Manisa province. Finishing and washing may be conducted either inside or outside the geographical area. Supervision is conducted at least once a year under the coordination of Manisa Metropolitan Municipality. The inspection committee includes experts from the Public Education Branch Directorate, Manisa Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, and Dokuz Eylül University. Criteria include knot density, knot type, yarn and dye usage, as well as motif, color, and composition characteristics.