Traditional rope making in Turkey

Traditional rope making remains a practiced craft among aging artisans in different regions of Turkey, despite competition from industrialization and mass-produced goods.

In Gaziantep, Mehmet Ali Macık utilizes local cave humidity and traditional wooden looms to produce hemp yarn for items such as fishing nets and livestock equipment. Macık, who has practiced the craft for 67 years, notes the difficulty of finding apprentices to carry on the heritage.

In Tire, Raife Baysal uses plant bark and traditional wheels to create rope. To adapt to modern markets, Baysal has expanded the craft to include decorative items like bags and hats, while noting the historical significance of the material in Turkish military and maritime history. This craft, known as urgan making, holds deep historical value, having been used to pull ships during the conquest of Istanbul in 1453 and during the Turkish War of Independence.

Other artisans in the Tire district are also attempting to preserve heritage crafts facing extinction from modern technology and plastic goods. Nihat Yakın, a master of traditional takunya (wooden clogs) recognized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, has transitioned from making essential footwear for mosques and baths to producing miniatures, accessories, and decorative gift items like keychains to maintain cultural relevance.