An Interview with Şükrü Yüncü & Halil İbrahim Yüncü
Weaving has existed as a result of fundamental human needs such as food and shelter since ancient times, and has sustained its value over time. Weaving, a highly significant art form in Central Asia, the homeland of the Turks, was later brought to Anatolia by the Seljuks. This rich heritage has found a place for itself not only throughout Anatolia but also in Gaziantep.
Gaziantep is widely known as a city active in various weaving sectors such as kutnu weaving, kilim weaving, and aba weaving. One of the professions we should add to these traditional weaving arts is belt weaving. A belt is a piece of clothing that is folded and wrapped around the waist. What makes it particularly significant is that it has been used in all areas of life within Turkish culture. It was especially used around the waist to support waist health and alleviate pain. However, over time, depending on the need, it has also served as a pocket, a tablecloth, or a cover when spread out on the ground. As part of our ongoing cultural research, our R&D unit researchers visited the last masters of belt weaving in Gaziantep and listened to their stories. Our masters shared that, instead of the colorful patterns and fascinating motifs of traditional belts, people have now started using belts. They emphasized that, for this reason, this traditional weaving is at risk of disappearing.
