EXAMPLES OF PİLLOW WEAVİNGS BY KINALI EMİGRANTS LİVİNG İN SAKARYA

The Turks settled in the Balkans in ancient times and began to establish their presence in these lands. The most glorious period of the Ottoman Empire in the Balkans began with the victory in the Battle of Çirmen. As part of its settlement policy, the Ottoman Empire relocated a portion of its population to these territories. Under this policy, a Turkish community from the Karamanid Principality migrated from Konya to the village of Kınalı in Macedonia. This migrating community led a secluded life and preserved their distinct cultural practices, such as cuisine, ceremonies, and weaving, in these lands. After living in the Balkans for many years, the defeat in the Balkan Wars triggered migration movements towards Turkey. This Turkish community, who joined these migrations and settled in various provinces of the Marmara Region, such as Sakarya, identified themselves as the "Kınalı muhacirs". Bringing along all the belongings they could carry when leaving their villages, they strived to pass down the cultural heritage they feared losing over time to future generations. This study extensively examines the handwoven artifacts belonging to the Kınalı muhacirs. Within the scope of the research, homes were visited with permission, artifact analyses and oral interviews were conducted, and detailed information about the works was gathered. Additionally, interviews with families sought to uncover all findings related to the traditional clothing culture of the Kınalı muhacirs and the weaving techniques used in the past. Furthermore, a literature review on the pillow weavings of the Kınalı muhacirs revealed almost no available information. Therefore, this study aims to serve as an important effort to preserve and transmit the traditional handicrafts of the Kınalı muhacirs to future generations. In the article, six pillow weavings belonging to the Kınalı muhacirs will be examined in detail and supported with visual data. Keywords: Macedonia, Kınalı, Weaving, Pillow, Motif.