Ardahan Region Carpet Cushions
Eren Yasubuğa1
, Gonca Karavar2
1Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, Güzel Sanatlar Enstitüsü, Geleneksel Türk Sanatları Bölümü
2Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi, Güzel Sanatlar Fakültesi, Geleneksel Türk Sanatları Bölümü
Keywords: Eastern Anatolia, Ardahan, Cushion, Carpet, Weaving.
Abstract
Located in the northeastern part of Anatolia, Ardahan has been a site of interaction among various cultures throughout its deep-rooted history, and has succeeded in preserving a rich tradition of handicrafts to the present day. Among the significant components of this cultural heritage are weaving practices. Ardahan and its surrounding areas have long served as important centers for traditional weaving, which has been sustained over centuries. Various woven items such as carpets, kilims, saddlebags, and bags, produced with knowledge and skills transmitted from generation to generation, are not only elements of daily life but also tangible reflections of traditional culture.
One of the rich woven textiles of the Ardahan region is the carpet cushion. It is known that these textiles were traditionally produced by the local people both as a source of income and to meet their own needs. Standing out with their vibrant colors and durable quality, carpet cushions are generally used on floor cushions and hung on the walls of wooden sofas (sedirs). In carpet cushions woven using the Turkish knot technique, it is observed that while wool yarns were dyed with natural root dyes in the past, today they are dyed with chemical dyes.
The aim of this study is to introduce the technical, chromatic, motif, and compositional features of carpet cushion examples woven in the Ardahan region, to document both qualitative and quantitative data, and to provide insight into the region’s weaving tradition. Additionally, the study attempts to identify similarities with other examples of carpet cushions found in different regions of Anatolia as referenced in existing literature. Field research was conducted in the region between 2023 and 2024, resulting in the identification of 18 carpet cushion samples. Six samples showing similar features were excluded from the study. In addition to the information gathered from local residents, informants, and weavers, motif, pattern, and material characteristics of the weavings were determined through both technical and artistic analyses.