The Millennia-Old Cultural Heritage of Anatolia: KAZAZIYE
Kazaziye art is a special cultural heritage that has been passed down to the people of Anatolia from the Lydians, lasting for thousands of years. With a history spanning over 5000 years, this art continues to be skillfully utilized in numerous jewelry and objects today.
This exceptional art is entirely based on craftsmanship and is primarily crafted from 1000-grade pure silver. Threads of 1000-grade pure silver, with a thickness of 0.08 microns (even finer than a human hair), are meticulously wound onto a delicate silk thread, resulting in handcrafted and unique Kazaziye jewelry made entirely of pure silver. During the weaving process, wrapping techniques are applied using crochet hooks, needles, and small bottom forms. These are then removed from the needles and hooks. While initially woven over lead spheres, they later transitioned to small balls made from triangular cloth, and today, they are woven over wooden spheres. Consequently, the thickness of a finished thread reaches 0.3 - 0.5 mm.
The weaving patterns of these products can be shaped into various models and designs according to the weavers' personal preferences. Apart from their elegant appearances, these products are also remarkably sturdy. There are four fundamental weaving forms still practiced in Kazaziye art: herringbone, sliding, ball, and openwork.
This unique process is entirely carried out by hand craftsmanship, without the use of mechanical tools.
Every piece of Kazaziye jewelry is woven and shaped by hand craftsmanship. The handcrafted Kazaziye threads, with a thickness of 3-5 mm, are highly durable. Although oxidized silver is generally used to create oxidized silver jewelry, there are also pieces crafted using shiny silver.
In present-day Trabzon, Turkey, women are revitalizing this ancient art by meticulously handcrafting Kazaziye jewelry. This unique production method reflects a rich tradition that extends from the past to the present.
