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The soul of felt: water
"We lay the fluffed wool on a canvas and sprinkle it water before rolling it up. A machine flattens the wool and turns it into felt. 30 years ago people did this with their knees. We use natural dyes to dye the felt red, blue, yellow, green and purple. The main colour is white and the colours are used for patterns". He is almost 65 years old but he moves across the canvas with agility. "We cut the coloured felt into shapes and then create the design on the white wool. Then we put it into the machines. You have to finish your mat the day you begin."
Tailor made designs
"The design in the middle is the "göbek". There are flowers, check shapes and lozenge shapes around it. We can also make cages, horns, birds, "nargile", "ibrik" and mosque designs if you like." He is making a mat for a woman to use on her ironing table. "15-20 years ago, we worked all the time. We sent work to Sivas and Kayseri but now only villagers use it. We make cloaks for shepherds and floor mats, prayer rugs and divan backs for homes. I come to my workshop more out of habit than to make money now."
Turning wool into felt
Hulki seems thrilled that somebody has taken an interest in his craft. "I have kidney stones as a result of swallowing wool dust for years. The doctor said that if I flattened the wool with my knees, the stones would have passed by now. So Eyup Sahip Metbah knew what he was doing. My profession is both the cause and the cure for my disease." Three hours have passed and he has almost finished his design. He sprinkles some water on the felt and then places a layer of fluffed wool over the design. Then he sprinkles some more water on top of that and rolls the canvas up. He places one end of the roll into the machine, which presses it flat. He repeats this action a few times and then opens the roll. The fluffed wool is flattened now and someone has a brand new and very colourful floor mat.
| Helpful hints... |
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* There are frequent minibuses from Izmir to Tire, which is about 60 kilometres away. * Make sure to time your visit to Tire so that it falls on a Tuesday. The weekly Tire outdoor market is held every Tuesday. It is a colourful and lively fair with people coming from villages all over the area to sell their wares. * Tire is also famous for its weaving, not only for its felt. The "beledi" weave is only produced here and is very famous. * The bath clog makers', rope makers', saddlers' and felt makers' workshops are all located in the same area. You'll be amazed at how quickly time passes as you wander from shop to shop. |
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