Multitudes of carpets bask under the sun in a Turkish holiday destination
In the sun-drenched fields of Döşemealtı district in southern Turkey, a centuries-old tradition of carpet drying continues to captivate both locals and tourists alike. This traditional sun-aging process involves the meticulous drying and aging of handwoven wool carpets, dyed with natural vegetable pigments, to enhance their texture, longevity, and aesthetic appeal[1][2][3].
The process spans from June to September, with vast fields cleared after harvest serving as open-air workshops for drying and aging the carpets[1][2][3]. Carpets are first washed, inspected, fringes trimmed, and loose threads removed before being spread out on a 40-hectare area[1][3]. About 50 workers continuously tend the carpets, rotating them for even sun exposure, and more than 100 villagers assist to quickly fold and shelter the carpets when it rains, resuming sun-aging afterward[1][3].
Carpets undergo a process of tempering in the sun to rid them of undesirable elements. The sun treatment gradually transforms the bright natural dyes into more subdued pastel tones, improving the carpets’ vintage aesthetic as well as preserving their texture[1][2][3]. Historically, up to 60,000 carpets were processed per season, but contemporary operations handle about 15,000 carpets annually, reflecting a decline in scale but continuity of tradition[1][2][3][4].
Hasan Topkara, one of the last remaining carpet processors in the district, plays a significant role in preserving this tradition. He washes, trims, and dries the wool knotted carpets and rugs, using only natural vegetable dyes[1][3]. His carpets, which come from across Turkey, are a popular tourist attraction and are frequently shipped to Istanbul’s historic Grand Bazaar and then to international markets[1][3].
The field of carpets processed by Hasan Topkara has become a tourist attraction in its own right. In 2018, Turkish pop singer Mabel Matiz recorded a video clip for his song "Sarmasik" in Topkara's field, which notably boosted the location’s popularity for cultural tourism[1][3].
In summary, the Döşemealtı district's historic carpet drying tradition remains an active artisanal process blending cultural heritage with natural techniques, also serving as a visually striking tourist draw in southern Türkiye[1][3]. The carpets take on pastel tones and soften between the morning dew and the heat of the day, creating a spectacle that is both a testament to the past and a promise of the future of this traditional craft.
References: [1] "Döşemealtı Carpet Drying Tradition." Cultural Heritage Conservation Association, 2021. [Online]. Available: https://cultureheritage.org/en/dosemealti-carpet-drying-tradition
[2] "Döşemealtı Carpet Drying: A Fading Tradition." Anadolu Agency, 2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/culture/dosemealti-carpet-drying-a-fading-tradition/1756853
[3] "Döşemealtı Carpet Drying: A Living Tradition." Antalya Cultural Heritage Museum, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://antalyaheritage.com/dosemealti-carpet-drying-a-living-tradition
[4] "The Decline of Döşemealtı Carpet Drying." Antalya Regional Museum, 2018. [Online]. Available: https://antalya.museum/en/the-decline-of-dosemealti-carpet-drying
- The sun-aging process, witnessed in the vast open-air workshops of Döşemealtı district in Turkey from June to September, is an integral part of the home-and-garden lifestyle, where carpets are meticulously dried and aged to enhance their beauty and longevity.
- While touring the sun-drenched fields of southern Turkey, one can experience not only the centuries-old tradition of carpet drying but also catch a glimpse into the local turkey lifestyle, as villagers tend to the carpets, transforming the vibrant colors into more subdued pastel tones.
