Kadriye Yakar's Commitment to Safeguarding Bergama's Ancient Carpet Weaving Tradition
Within the charming district of Bergama in İzmir, a dedicated group of women is putting in relentless effort to protect the age-old art of carpet weaving, a tradition that is at risk of fading away.
Preserving a Rich Heritage
Kadriye Yakar, a skilled weaving artist collaborating closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, is leading the charge to guarantee the survival of this longstanding tradition. Yakar stated, “The Bergama carpets are facing the danger of vanishing. Our objective is to blend them into modern society while upholding their deep-rooted history.” She further mentioned, “Bergama showcases a wide array of over 2,000 carpet and rug variations, each with its unique designs and cultural importance.”
The Historical Importance of Bergama Carpets
Bergama has served as a notable hub for Turkish carpet weaving since the 14th century A.D. These carpets, celebrated for their elaborate double knots, expert wool craftsmanship, and utilization of natural dyes, once adorned homes, walls, and even inspired artwork displayed in esteemed museums such as those in Berlin and London. Despite this, only the “Kız Bergama” carpet enjoys widespread recognition today, a situation that Yakar is determined to alter.
Reviving the Tradition Through Collaborative Initiatives
Following her retirement from teaching in 2009, Yakar founded the S.S. Bergama Carpet and Handicrafts Cooperative, which empowers over 150 women in rural areas by equipping them with looms and materials to produce traditional designs like Kız Bergama, Yağcıbedir, and Holbein carpets. Yakar explained, “Our cooperative has revitalized forgotten patterns, and our ultimate goal is to secure a place for Bergama carpets on UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage list.”
Precision in Artistry and Cultural Preservation
The cooperative produces around 200 carpets annually, each piece requiring up to two months of painstaking handiwork. Yakar highlighted, “While handmade carpets demand significant labor, their worth is immeasurable and irreplaceable.”
