Mehmet Ali Macık preserves traditional hemp rope making in Gaziantep

In the Şahinbey district of Gaziantep, 76-year-old Mehmet Ali Macık continues a centuries-old tradition of hemp rope production. For 67 years, Macık has utilized the high humidity of local caves to produce high-quality hemp yarn using traditional wooden looms known as ‘çıkrık’.

The humidity within the caves is essential to the process, as it helps maintain the texture and durability of the threads. The resulting ropes are used for various purposes, including making fishing nets, hammocks, and nets, as well as for tobacco, livestock, and porterage.

Macık, who identifies as the last master of this craft, faces challenges from industrialization. While machines can produce between 200 and 300 kilograms of rope, his manual process yields approximately 30 kilograms. Despite his efforts to pass this knowledge to younger generations, he has struggled to find apprentices. He continues his work to prevent the complete disappearance of this heritage, distributing his products through the Almacı Pazarı in Gaziantep's historic bazaar.