Mersin Toros Museum Yörük Weavings

Abstract

Yoruk weavings have an important place in Anatolian history and culture. In Anatolian geography, people who migrate according to climatic conditions to feed their animals and accept this mobility as a lifestyle are called Yoruk. Sacks, sackcloths, saddles, floor mats and bags made with carpets, rugs, cicim, zili and sumakh techniques woven by nomads form a wide product repertoire. Such items have a number of physical features peculiar to Anatolian peoples. These features are more pronounced among nomadic groups who live their lives as semi-sedentary beings. Yoruks raise sheep and goats to earn a living and meet their needs. Due to the high density of Yoruk settlement in Mersin region, the motif, color and composition features found in weavings are very rich. The Taurus Yoruk Museum, located in Taurus district, is a museum that carries the artworks of the Yoruk culture to future generations. The aim of this study is to examine the plain weaves found in the Taurus Yoruk Museum in terms of technique, material, color, composition and size, and to emphasize its importance in the context of Anatolian Turkish culture.