Palaz weavings from Mardin region

Anatolia has hosted different civilizations, and this has paved the way for the performance of many handicrafts in the region, especially weaving. There are archaeological findings proving that weaving has existed in Anatolia since the Neolithic period. The first pieces of fabric and weaving tools unearthed provide important information about the history of weaving. These findings constitute one of our most valuable cultural heritages, establishing a link between the past and the present. The production of traditional hand weavings, which were produced in many centers of Anatolia in the past, has decreased today. Despite this, old weaving samples can still be found in certain regions. As a result of the field research conducted in this context; Between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the Southeastern Anatolia Region, Old handmade palaz (merş) textiles woven in the province of Mardin, which was founded on the lands of Upper Mesopotamia, have been identified. In this study; Information is given about the historical development of palaz weavings and the history of the samples woven in the Mardin region. The old and new palaz weaving samples identified were examined and documented on site during the field research. The 83 examined weavings were grouped according to their intended use. In addition, the textiles were examined in terms of raw material, color, pattern, composition, technique and similar features. Documentation of these textiles; It is important as a resource that contributes to the field about palaz weaving, about which sufficient information and examples cannot be found.