DOBAG PROJECT: THE ART OF CARPET-WEAVING ALATURKA
Turkey's known for many things: its Ottoman architecture, its delectable fare, its beaches, and its protracted historical legacy. But unless you're an aesthete of one of its many semi-indigenous artforms, like calligraphy or glass artistry, a trip to Istanbul -- or any Turkish city for that matter -- is bound to amaze the art neophyte.
A prime example is carpetweaving. Now it's easy to head to a place like the Istanbul Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum to view the largest and oldest collection of handwoven rugs in the world. Purchasing one at the government-run carpet showroom inside the gorgeous mid-15th century Haseki Hürrem Hamami (Roxelana's Baths) is even possible. But where can you learn about this truly indigenous artform.
Well, for one weekend, the internationally-acclaimed founders of DOBAG -- a Turkish acronym for the Natural Dye and Development Project -- will be on hand in Istanbul to discuss carpet weaving and demonstrate the natural dying techniques some of his organization's world-renown for.
Bohmer launched DOBAG in 1982 to restore, preserve and promote Anatolia's ancient folk art of hand weaving carpets. Since starting this cooperative, which collects rugs that reflect the ancestral tradition, motifs and hues used by women villagers throughout Turkey, DOBAG as the first woman's rug-weaving cooperative in the Islamic world has been responsible for some of the finest dyed wool creations today. Under the supervision the University of Marmara in Istanbul, DOBAG only grants it seal of approval for carpets that are superior in color, construction and overall design.
Dr. Bohmer, his wife Renate and Dr. Serife Atlihan will present the event on Saturday, November 29th, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, November 30th, 12:00 to 16:00, at the Crimean Memorial Church.
ESSENTIALS
LOCATION: Crimean Memorial Church
ADDRESS: Serdar Ekrem Sokak 82, Karakoy
PHONE: +90 212 251 56 16
STRICTLY SPEAKING
CARPET = HALI (Pron. Hahluh)
RUG = KILIM (Pron. Keeleem)