Bracelets of Diyarbakır receive worldwide demand

DİYARBAKIR - Anatolia News Agency

The woven bracelets, which are the most important traditional handicraft of Diyarbakır, are produced by meticulous manual labor in special ateliers. Now they have made their debut in the Far East, and garnered interest in the world.

Woven gold bracelets have been made in the eastern province of Diyarbakır for two centuries, during which the manual techniques for producing the unique accessories have remained unchanged.

The woven bracelets, which are the most important traditional handicraft of the city, have long been a popular variety of jewelry among women, particularly those living in the area, who can frequently be seen wearing the adornments. Now the bracelets have made their debut in the Far East, and have garnered interest internationally at fairs around the world.

The Diyarbakır Jewelers and Goldsmiths Chamber was recently represented by 30 artisans at an international jewelry fair organized in Thailand, where their creations attracted much attention according to the chamber’s chairman, Mustafa Akkul.

“Also in 2012, we promoted Diyarbakır’s jewelry in Dubai and Italy. A 22-carat bracelet drew more interest in Thailand than it did in Europe,” he added.

Without technology
Akkul said that the woven bracelets have been produced for 200 years without using any machines or modern technology, adding, “We have applied to the Turkish Patent Institute to obtain a patent for the bracelet. Now it is being evaluated.”

The woven bracelets, which are unique to Diyarbakır, are produced by meticulous manual labor, enhancing its popularity among the women in the region. This type of bracelet is also an indispensable gift for local weddings. Although sold for anywhere between 5,000 and 15,000 Turkish Liras, the bracelets have achieved sustained success. To make the sought-after bracelets, bar gold is melted and turned into wire in special workshops. The gold wire is then wound around a pencil-like iron so that it takes a spiral shape. Then, it is hammered by experts for hours, turning it into a bracelet.

In recent years, a trend for decorating the bracelets with precious stones has caught on, marking a departure from the traditional style. But many women still prefer the conventional type of woven bracelets, reflecting the unique crafts and heritage of Diyarbakır.