Karacakılavuz Dimi Weaving

Karacakılavuz dimi weaving is an important textile art unique to the Karacakılavuz neighborhood in the Süleymanpaşa district of Tekirdağ province. This weaving is recognized as one of the region’s key textile centers. It was introduced to Karacakılavuz by Turkish settlers who migrated from certain villages in Bulgaria between 1884 and 1885, and has been maintained as a traditional craft to meet household needs, utilize leisure time, and generate supplementary income alongside agriculture and animal husbandry.

^{Karacakılavuz Dimi Dokuması} (Anadolu Ajansı)

Production Location and History: The weaving is produced within the geographical boundaries of Süleymanpaşa district in Tekirdağ province. It holds a reputation intrinsically linked to the region, and all stages of production must occur within this defined geographical area. The craft has been continuously practiced for over a century by Bulgarian immigrant settlers who settled in the region.

Loom and Technique: The weaving is done by hand on four-pedal looms called "düzen," constructed from oak and hornbeam wood. The most distinctive feature of this textile is the combined use of the dimi technique from shuttle weaving and the cicim technique from tapestry weaving. The distinguishing characteristic of the dimi technique is its four-shaft system and the passage of threads through the reed in pairs.

Materials and Colors: Factory-produced wool and cotton yarns, which are easily accessible, are generally used. Bright colors are predominantly favored, and the yarns are dyed using both natural and aniline dyes.

Composition Patterns: The designs follow five distinct composition patterns: horizontal, vertical, scattered, central, and mihrap-shaped.

^{Karacakılavuz Dimi Dokuması} (Anadolu Ajansı)

Motifs: The motifs resemble those found in textiles from various regions of Anatolia, with differences primarily in naming. Karacakılavuz dimi weaving features twelve local primary motifs: Dog’s paw, Ram’s horn, Sheep’s eye, Snowflakes, Oak branch, Peacock, Keys, Three roses, Quince core, Horse hoof, Stars, and Lanterns. These motifs are embroidered onto the dimi weave using the cicim technique.

Product Variety: The textiles are used for a variety of purposes including amulets, prayer rugs, curtains, cushion covers, sacks, bags, and garments. Additionally, products such as kilim, wall decorations, and wall panels can also be produced.

Production Method: Yarns are first transformed from hanks into balls using a winder called gülcana or elemye. A warp of 740 threads is prepared with a specified width of 65 cm and corresponding length. The threads are passed through the four-shaft loom and reed in pairs. Finally, the warp is secured onto the loom to begin the weaving process.

Special Tools: Special tools used in production include a wool comb, spindle, elemye (gülcan), shuttle, and bobbin. The weaving loom is called "düzen" and consists of components such as balance legs, marmar, shafts, tefe, and gericek.

^{Karacakılavuz Dimi Dokuması} (Anadolu Ajansı)

The traditional adherence to motifs, the use of the dimi technique, and the application of the geographical indication label are monitored by an official oversight body. This body is coordinated by the Tekirdağ Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism and includes representatives from relevant universities, the Public Education Center, and cooperatives. Monitoring is conducted at least once annually and whenever a complaint is filed.