Color, pattern, and composition characteristics of knitted socks and slippers from North Macedonia

This master's thesis provides a detailed examination of the color, pattern, and compositional characteristics of traditional hand-knitted socks from North Macedonia. The primary objective of this study is to deeply understand the place of these socks within the cultural heritage of the region and to contribute to the preservation and transmission of this rich tradition to future generations. The research involved fieldwork in significant locations such as Skopje, Tetovo, and Radoviš, where a total of 27 sock samples were analyzed. These samples were evaluated in various aspects, including their age, color, material composition, regions of origin, physical characteristics, and the types of patterns and motifs used. In the color distribution analysis, the diversity of colors and patterns prominently reflected the multicultural nature of Macedonia. The material analysis revealed that wool and synthetic fibers were commonly used. Additionally, the thesis explores the technical details and motif placements of the socks; each sock's technical characteristics, materials used, and motifs were systematically documented, illustrating the technical diversity and aesthetic richness within North Macedonia's knitting culture. The relevant sections of the study also include technical analyses of traditional North Macedonian hand-knitted socks and a comprehensive literature review on Balkan culture. The aesthetic features of the socks, strongly connected with regional symbols and social values, offer important insights into how these traditional arts can be sustained in modern societies. This thesis makes a significant contribution to the efforts to preserve and transmit the rich cultural heritage of North Macedonia to future generations. Keywords: North Macedonia, Knitted Socks, Cultural Heritage, Traditional Turkish Arts