Investigation of the art of felt in the Tire of Izmir

The felt art which has an important and long history among the handcrafts, is one of our culturel values and traditional arts. Because of its wide range of use, the felt continues its existence as an integral part of the daily life. However the felt art continues with decreasing number of products produced by artisanas and designers in the art of seal. Besides ,in the recent times as it is in the case of production of touristic souvenirs we can see the usage of felt in many of the artisian?s works.For this purpose ?Investigation of the Art of Felt in the Tire of Izmir? was selected as the topic and investigated. Product sampels have been identified, analyzed, recorded and a source has been formed releated to this science. This study aimed to investigate and document the production of felt in the Tire district. Materials which is used in the production of the felt, instruments, productions and the information provided from manufecturers about the kinds of product, is compiled supporting it with photographs.This study followed the descriptive model of investigation. The literature search has been made releated to subject area, the general and the detailed photos of the determined products has been taken, the people who are dealing with felt art in the district has been met and also in the workshops observation was made by the researcher. Forms of information has been prepared in accordance with these observation.The working universe of the investigation is composed by the felt manufacturers and their sample products in the Tıre of Izmir. The sample of this investigation is formed by 70 pieces of photos which are taken from the 4 workshops and among the products of 12 felt manufacturer.In the compilation of the information related to felt art, relevant sources, felt manufacturers, store employees, internet and the information of local people was used. In the direction of purposes, a questionnaire was developed to identify the personal properties of the people who are dealing with felt production, the instruments which are used in the production of felt materials, tecnical production stages and the difficulties faced by the manufacturers. The 70 pieces of felt ptoduct sample which are chossen in the investigation is scrutinized according to the information forms which aim to determine their properties of dimension, material, technical, color and composition.By analyzing all the data obtained, the distrubutions are presented as number and percentages which are in line with objectives under the appropriate headings in the tables are collected, presented and explained.In accordance with the results of the investigation today the felt art of Tire being maintained by very few masters. There are significant benefits for human health in the felt. But according to felt manufacturers in the Tire, people mostly choose the felt products for home acccessory. Because people think that the clothing accessories made of felt would cause itching, they do not prefer felt.In the research very few sources has been reached on the felt art Tire. The transmission of this art from generation to generation, written sources have gereat importance. In this regard more research should be done.The felt art require the support of various instutitions and organizations for promotion and marketing of the products in order to contribute to the economy and tourism. Because of this reason the felt products whic are made in Tire should be exhibited in historic venues and should be introduced to the domestic and foreing tourists. Also by payying a closer attention to the problems of the felt masters and by encouraging them, development of this art should be provided.Opening courses about the felt art especially for the women should be supporterd. So the felt art can be removed from being a men profession. Caring about the young generation the felt cources should be open in the related departments of universities. Thus young people find the oppourtunity to develop themselves and learn the art at school, as well as it may increase interest in the felt art.Key words: Handcrafts, Felt, Tire