When we posted about the Üzümlü Mushroom Festival, I mentioned that the whole event was a great opportunity for Üzümlü to show itself off to all the visitors who attended the three-day event. So, not only were we treated to a feast of morel mushrooms, but we got a chance to view a local craft that Üzümlü is perhaps most famous for.
A dastar loom in Üzümlü
Dastar is a cotton woven fabric, and many families in Üzümlü make their living by weaving the fabric on these looms and making it into tablecloths, scarves and clothing. When we were at the mushroom festival, local families were displaying their dastar creations by draping them over walls and hanging them from washing lines.
Dastar on display in Üzümlü
Weaving dastar was a dying skill in Üzümlü but efforts have been made of late to keep the skill alive and promote the goods. Certainly while we were at the mushroom festival, local Fethiye people were appreciating the creations and buying various items; great for the local economy and encouraging to see people appreciating their local, traditional crafts.
This lady invited us inside to watch her weaving dastar
If you visit the Fethiye area, dastar makes a perfect souvenir. It’s traditional, handmade (probably in the home you buy it from if you make your purchase in Üzümlü), good value and it’s easy to pack into your suitcase when you’re going home. At the mushroom festival, some of the small table runners were selling for as little as 10 lira so your local souvenir isn’t going to break the bank. Go on! Treat yourself…
Turkey's For Life
Sunday 8th of May 2011
@ Belinda: All really pretty stuff, too. There's a bit of a push at the moment to save local skills like this before they die out.
@ David: Very true.
@ Sarah: Everything the ladies produce is beautiful. Never heard of Josephine Powell before. Will have a look at the website you sent. Thanks a lot for that. :)
Sarah
Sunday 8th of May 2011
So beautiful. This is the reason Josephine Powell studied the textile art of the Turkish people. Here is a website about her. http://www.marlamallett.com/powell.htm
David from The Quillcards Blog
Sunday 8th of May 2011
Weaving has always interested me. It is such a basic and 'true' craft.
Belinda @zomppa
Sunday 8th of May 2011
It's so incredible that this is still being hand crafted versus in some big factory!