Yenihan Babies

Yenihan Bebekleri are cultural products entirely handmade in the Yıldızeli district of Sivas province, Türkiye. They derive their name from the district’s well-known historical name, “Yenihan.” They serve as a means of transmitting the social, cultural, and familial life, beliefs, clothing styles, and emotional world of the local community to future generations.

^{Yenihan Bebekleri} (Yıldızeli Kaymakamlığı)

• The dolls’ skeletons are made of wood and mounted on a fixed base.
• They have a standard height of 43 cm with a triangular-shaped torso.
• Production typically utilizes leftover fabric and thread fragments from the region to achieve a natural recycling process.
• The fabric-stuffed head is attached to the torso; arms, socks, vests, and garments are assembled by hand.
• Accessories such as aprons and satchels embroidered on etamin are added; the dolls are completed with headwear, fezzes, and necklaces.

^{Yenihan Bebekleri} (Sivas Valiliği)

Each Yenihan doll represents a distinct character. The garments worn are not only aesthetic but also carry meaningful messages. The motifs and colors reflect the region’s traditional symbolism.

• Yellow socks with ram’s horn motif on the clothing symbolize a strong household but one affected by illness.
• A doll with a flower motif on its apron symbolizes the arrival of spring and engagement in agriculture.
• Black headscarf worn by the doll represents hardship.
• Side-tied headscarf with a wrap signifies pressure from the mother-in-law and father-in-law.
• Fez worn by dolls symbolizes the bridal attire traditionally worn only at weddings and engagements in the region. The fezzes are adorned with gold tassels.
• Female figures are decorated with beads, sequins, and glass stones; male figures feature elements indicating social status (such as leather wallet, felt hat, and leather sandals).
• Male characters vary as village headman, landowner, shepherd, and young man; each is defined by specific garment details.

^{Yenihan Bebekleri} (Yıldızeli Kaymakamlığı)

• The product is protected under Law No. 6769 on Industrial Property as a geographical indication.
• Registration date: 09.10.2020; the registering authority is the Yıldızeli District Governorship.
• All production stages must take place within the boundaries of Yıldızeli district.
• The term “Yenihan Bebekleri” and the geographical indication mark must appear on the product itself or its packaging.

^{Yenihan Bebekleri} (Sivas Valiliği)

• Production continues through courses organized at the Yıldızeli Community Education Center.
• Inspections are conducted annually by a committee of specialized experts coordinated by the Yıldızeli District Governorship, and as needed.
• The inspection process includes details such as sock knitting patterns, headscarf tying methods, wooden skeleton structure, and symbolic usage.

^{Yenihan Bebekleri} (Yıldızeli Kaymakamlığı)

Yenihan Bebekleri were registered as a trademark by the Turkish Patent Institute in 2012. They continue to exist as representatives of traditional culture in the digital age. They attract significant attention at promotional fairs, drawing visitors from outside the region with their character diversity and folkloric details.