Embroidery found in Erkmen town of Afyonkarahisar province

As a result of our research, it has been determined that the traditional embroidery works within the borders of Erkmen, a town connected to the central district of Afyonkarahisar Province, have not previously been studied. After conducting interviews with local residents, the motifs of the embroidered pieces obtained were examined in detail, and distinctive patterns were identified. The aim of our study is to identify the hand-embroidered items found in the homes of Erkmen, to obtain information on the characteristics of these items through observation and interviews, and to document this information using scientific research methods. In this context, 57 embroidered items collected from local sources were examined. Observation forms were prepared for each item. Variations in the motifs were recorded, and similar motifs were grouped together to proceed with the study. Our study consists of seven chapters. The first chapter includes the subject of the research, the problem statement, aim, significance, and previous studies and publications on the topic. The existing research and literature related to the topic were listed in alphabetical order and summarized. The second chapter presents the methodology. This section includes the research model, universe-sample, assumptions, scope-limitations, data collection techniques, data analysis, and definitions. The third chapter, titled "The Art of Embroidery and Erkmen Town," provides a general definition, classification, and historical background of embroidery art. It also contains information about Turkish embroidery art and the town of Erkmen in Afyonkarahisar. The fourth chapter includes observation forms based on interviews conducted with the owners of the products. Additionally, this section presents a catalog containing general and detailed photographs and drawings of the observed items. The layout of the catalog follows a chronological order, beginning with the oldest and moving toward more recent items. The observation forms include the date of examination, the owner of the item, address, method of acquisition, usage area, location, the person who created it, dating, current condition, repair status, type, local name of the type, dimensions (length and width), materials used, techniques, color characteristics, and the chosen decorative themes in embroidery such as floral, geometric, figurative, and object-based designs, along with information about the composition. The fifth chapter presents the findings and interpretations. The items were analyzed in detail in terms of their characteristics. The data obtained were evaluated and systematically presented in tables. The sixth and final chapter is the evaluation and conclusion. The assessments conducted contributed to reaching a conclusion in the study and enabled the documentation and registration of the current state of embroidered products in Erkmen town.