Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi

Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi is a textile product deeply associated with the local culture of Vezirköprü district in Samsun, produced as part of a traditional weaving art. It was registered as a geographical indication on 25 June 2018 under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property and officially registered for protection on 23 December 2019. The registration process was carried out by the Vezirköprü Municipality, and all production stages of the product must be completed within the geographical boundaries of Vezirköprü.

Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi is a fabric produced using the plain weave technique and made entirely from cotton yarn. The base color of the fabric is typically solid white, and patterns are created using cotton yarns of sizes 8 to 12. Colors commonly used in the patterns include yellow, red, green, pink, white, orange, pistachio green, and olive green. Common motif designs include sheep’s eye, slit, züner, bayağı, and sugar patterns.

The product is known in various forms suited to different uses:

• Çember: A plain-woven fabric used as a head covering, with horizontal and vertical 1 cm wide fabric borders and dyed fringes on all four sides. The center features chain, slit, and sugar patterns.
• Peşkir: A fabric approximately 60 cm wide, woven for use as a towel, cover, or shoulder shawl. At least 30 cm of patterned design appears on each end.
• Bürümcük: A type of weaving produced on 1 cm wide plain-weave looms, used as a patching fabric.

The production of Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi requires a meticulous process based on traditional methods. Cotton yarn is used in weaving, and the warp threads are prepared in a warp beam. The warp threads, together with the weft threads, are passed through a comb-like tool and attached to the loom. The threads are secured to the loom frame using the çitçi bağlaması method. A metal bar (çember), matching the width of the loom, is used to ensure the fabric edge remains straight. During warp preparation, the threads are arranged so that there are 12 threads per centimeter and tied together with a thicker thread to complete the weaving process.

Weaving is a heritage reflecting the lifestyle and cultural accumulation of Vezirköprü. The production process is shaped by the region’s traditional knowledge and skills, which is why all stages must be carried out within the boundaries of Vezirköprü.

In addition to traditional products such as çember, peşkir, and bürümcük, Vezirköprü Susuz Bezi is also used in modern designs. In particular, garments made from this fabric are preferred in clothing production to achieve an authentic appearance.

Regular inspections are conducted to maintain the geographical indication quality of the product. Under the coordination of the Vezirköprü Municipality, a monitoring body composed of the Vezirköprü Subgovernorship, Vezirköprü Police Directorate, Chamber of Industry and Commerce, and a qualified expert familiar with the product performs inspections twice a year. Monthly inspections may also be carried out as needed. During inspections, the use of cotton yarn, the specification of pattern yarns as sizes 8 to 12, the solid white base color of the fabric, and the conformity of the designated colors and patterns are verified. The inspection process may be supported by experts from public or private institutions, and the registering Vezirköprü Municipality conducts legal procedures to protect the rights associated with the geographical indication.