Investigation of the patterns observed in the pillow weavings of the Kınalı muhacirs living in Sakarya

Throughout history, Turks have settled in the Balkans and maintained their presence in this region. The Ottoman Empire's most glorious period in the Balkans began with the victory at the Battle of Çirmen. Within the framework of its settlement policy, the Ottoman State relocated part of its population to these lands. In this context, a Turkish community affiliated with the Karamanid Principality migrated from Konya to the village of Kınalı in Macedonia. This migrating community adopted a closed lifestyle, preserving their cultural elements and especially maintaining their unique food, ceremony, and weaving traditions. After living in the Balkans for many years, Turks began migrating toward Turkey following the unfavorable outcomes of the Balkan Wars for the Ottoman Empire. During this process, this community who defined themselves as "Kınalı muhacirs"settled in various provinces of the Marmara Region, such as Sakarya. They brought with them all the belongings they could carry from their village and made efforts to transmit their culture to future generations. This study aims to comprehensively examine the handwoven pillows belonging to the Kınalı muhacir community. Within the scope of the research, necessary permissions were obtained, families were visited, analyses of the works were conducted, and oral interviews were carried out. Efforts were made to uncover findings related to the weaving techniques used by the Kınalı muhacirs in the past, and the information obtained was supported by literature reviews. Furthermore, it was determined that literature on pillow weavings belonging to the Kınalı muhacirs is quite limited. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the preservation and transmission of the handicrafts of the Kınalı muhacirs to future generations. By examining six pillow weavings in detail, the study intends to contribute to the field through the documentation, interpretation, and preservation of these designs.