The current situation of Yahyali carpet making

Although the exact date of carpet making in Yahyalı is not known, it is estimated that it dates back to earlier than 19th century. With their idiosyncratic patterns, Yahyalı carpets have an important place in the art of Turkish carpet making. This study is significant in that there is no up-to-date research on the topic despite its significant place. The aim of this research is to determine the current situation of Tahyalı carpets, investigate them in terms of their technical features, and document the patterns and motifs. In addition, the demographic features, economic situations, medical conditions of the weavers and the tools used have been examined. It has also been aimed to make thorough drawings of Yahyalı carpets and turn this into a catalogue. To this end, all the available Yahyalı carpets in the area were investigated one by one and documented through photography and drawings. Yahyalı carpets have many varieties based on the names of their patterns, such as dabazlı, kandilli mihraplı, kirazlı, karpuzlu, üç göbekli, and kavacık. It has been concluded that carpets were weaved in every home in the area in the past; however, corrently, the weaving looms are scarce. It has been also found that production of carpets has almost stopped and is about to be forgotten. According to the findings, a European Union Project has been made and an atelier has been founded in order to revive the carpet making in the area. The women of Yahyalı started to weave carpets in this atelier, which was handed on to İşkur in 2018. The atelier, which used to work five days a week, was closed in February 2019 as the protocol was not renewed; therefore, the only activity related to carpet making came to an end. In order to bring Yahyalı carpets, which are significant in terms of their history, patterns, and varieties, back to their previous status, government-supported and sustainable projects need to be applied. Keywords: Yahyalı, Weaving, Carpet, Loom