Knowledge carried by the hands

What Is Çarpana Weaving?

Çarpana is the principal tool that gave its name to the weaving technique it defines. Throughout Anatolia, within the tradition of hand weaving, it was used in the production of warp-faced textiles characterized by narrow widths and extended lengths. These weavings appeared in belts, ties, bands, and ornamental strips, serving both practical functions and cultural transmission.

Before the emergence of modern looms and industrial equipment, Çarpana weaving relied on materials that were easily accessible and workable by the weaver. Tablets were made from hardened leather, fine wood, bone, ivory, or cardboard—smooth on both surfaces, sized to fit comfortably in the hand, and perforated at the corners to guide warp threads. Lightweight and portable, these tablets could be carried from one place to another, enabling nomadic and semi-nomadic weavers to sustain their practice while in motion and to pass both tools and knowledge from generation to generation.

The width of the textile was determined by the number of tablets used. While tablets appeared in various forms, the most common in Anatolia was the four-cornered tablet with four holes, whose systematic rotation created patterns and woven surfaces. The colors, patterns, and motifs found in Çarpana weavings—like those in other traditional textiles—can be understood as historical records, reflecting the cultural values, beliefs, and lived realities of the communities in which they were produced.

Modest in appearance, the Çarpana tool required advanced technical knowledge, rhythm, and concentration. Shaped through patience, experience, and skill, this practice relied on the coordinated work of hand, eye, and mind.

For us, Çarpana weaving matters not only as a cultural legacy, but as a living practice with relevance today. By reintroducing this technique through contemporary forms of use, we aim to carry it forward while restoring the value of hand labor and intentional making—the time, skill, and presence embedded in each piece—and to inspire others to engage with craft practices in meaningful ways.

Photo credit: Melek Günday, Katarsis Exhibition, Stratonikeia 

With special thanks to Mrs. Melek Günday for her valuable inputs.