DOBAG is a project for the revival of natural dyeing in
certain areas of western Anatolia which have a long and
unbroken weaving tradition.
 |
| Natural dyeing in Suleymankoy |
DOBAG is an acronym and stands for “Dogal Boya Arastirma
ve Gelistirme Projesi” – Natural Dye Research
and Development Project.
The project was established in 1981 at the State School
for Applied Fine Arts in Istanbul, where teacher and chemist
Dr Harald Boehmer carried out his pioneering dye research.
In 1982, the school became the Faculty of Fine Arts of
Marmara University, where the DOBAG committee is headed
by the dean.
The results of Dr Boehmer’s chemical dye analyses
carried out on old Turkish carpets from museums and the
outcomes of his botanical research have been the bases for
the revival of natural dyeing. It was in the reintroduction
of home dyeing that Dr Boehmer saw the greatest potential
for re-creating the rich spectrum of harmonious colours
that existed in former times. The traditional designs have
been traced through old carpets and flatweaves found in
the mosques and homes of the weaving villages involved in
the project.
Today, carpets of the original quality are once again being
crafted in a traditional environment. The finest quality
hand spun winter wool and natural dyes are used, producing
warm radiant colours full of life and harmony.
 |
| Dr Serife Atlihan |
Dr Serife Atlihan from Marmara University is in charge
of quality control and all DOBAG carpets must meet the highest
standards to be given the official leather guarantee tag
from the University.
There are two co-operatives in the DOBAG project: one in
the Ayvacik region of Canakkale province and the other in
the Yuntdag region of Manisa province.
Both are self funding and owned and run by the weavers
and their families. The co-operative in the Yuntdag is a
women’s co-operative, the first in Turkey.
