Ancient Embroideries and Modern Ideas

Renowned textile expert and gallerist, Mehmet Cetinkaya, and his team of weavers, dyers, and embroiderers use centuries-old techniques and traditional tools to make colorful hats, kaftans, and tapestries. As a graduate of the Belgian Royal Academy, where he studied art and graphic design, Cetinkaya uses his considerable artistic talents and historical knowledge to envision an adventurous mix of ancient and multicultural patterns and motifs, woven and embroidered using natural dyes and fibers.

Research plays a huge part in Cetinkaya’s work. Pouring over great artworks from museums and books, he explores the aesthetic terrains of Central Asia, Anatolia, and the Caucasus for inspiration. Informed by these ancient motifs, the collective’s artists make elegantly patterned and exquisitely colorful textiles suitable for the home–such as cushions and elaborate wall hangings–as well as items for personal wear, like shawls and traditional silk hats. For example, their iconic pomegranate design kaftans are inspired by 17th and 18th-century Ottoman kaftans which were used by Sultans and Grand Viziers. Another motif commonly used is Kaitag embroideries from Northern Caucasus, which were used as talismanic covers. No matter the item, the patterns used are traditional and range from geometric motifs to floral designs.

Following in their father’s footsteps, Mehmet’s children Zehra and Said are continuing their family’s tradition by learning natural dye traditions and developing designs for a contemporary market. “Our aim is to learn from our father and the artisans we work with as much as we can and continue this valuable aim of our father, to continue the project and to pass it on to the next generations.”