Jirkan Kilimi

Jirkan kilim is a traditional handwoven carpet specific to Van Province in Türkiye and is protected by a geographical indication granted by the Van Municipality. This geographical indication was officially published in the Official Gazette on 1 September 1996 with the aim of preserving the region’s cultural heritage. Throughout history, Jirkan kilims have been produced through the manual labor of women in the region and passed down from generation to generation. The name of the kilim and its production technique are directly linked to the social and cultural fabric of the area.

^{Jirkan Kilim (}Anadolu Agency⁾

Jirkan kilim is a geographical indication applicable to carpets produced within the borders of Türkiye. The registration application was submitted on 21 June 1996 and officially registered on 14 November 1997 (Registration No: 22, Application No: C1996/028). Production and marketing processes under this geographical indication are continuously monitored by quality control and inspection commissions; use of the name is prohibited for products that do not meet the specified technical criteria.

The Jirkan Kilim is a traditional carpet type made entirely from wool yarn. Its technical specifications are as follows:

• Carpet Type: Jirkan Kilim
• Quality: 32x330
• Warp Yarn Count: 4.5/3 Wool
• Thick Weft Yarn: 5/2 Wool
• Material Consumption:
• • Warp: 460 g/m²
  • Thick Weft: 1390 g/m²
  • Total: 1850 g/m²

In the production process, warp and weft yarns are handwoven and the patterns are enriched with regional motifs. These motifs consist of traditional geometric and stylized figures that reflect the cultural symbols and natural environment of the Van region.

The Jirkan kilim holds an important place in the economic and social life of women in the region. The tradition of kilim weaving serves as a critical means for women to develop their craftsmanship and sustain their cultural heritage. At the same time, it occupies a distinctive position among regional handicrafts as a tangible expression of the cultural identity of Van and its surroundings.

Under the Geographical Indications Law, the production of Jirkan kilim is continuously monitored during both the manufacturing and marketing stages. Regional directorates, factory directorates, and quality control commissions verify compliance with the technical specifications. Use of this geographical indication is not permitted for carpets produced in violation of the established rules.