High Interest in Midyat Filigree
Midyat's registered filigree art is attracting great interest from visitors thanks to TV series filming and cultural tours.
In Mardin's Midyat district, the thousands-of-years-old and geographically indicated filigree art is seeing a flood of visitors, driven by TV series filming and cultural tours in the region.
Geographically Indicated Tradition
The filigree art, which is identified with the Midyat district, was registered with a geographical indication under the name Midyat Telkarisi by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office in 2021.
Thanks to this registration, the traditional production characteristics transmitted through master-apprentice relationships have been placed under legal protection, securing the future of the art.
The Fineness of Silver
Emerging from turning silver into fine threads and processing them with various techniques, filigree is shaped through the great efforts of masters.
Handmade items such as rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and brooches are favorites, especially among tourists looking for souvenirs.
The Impact of Cultural Tours
The TV series Uzak Şehir, which continues to be filmed in the district and broadcast on television, is increasing the number of cultural tours heading to the region.
This mobility boosts tourism potential while also directly reflecting positively on traditional filigree shopping.
Shopkeeper Satisfaction
Elif Kılıç, a shopkeeper who sells handmade filigree products, states that tourists show great interest in souvenirs and prefer silver products.
Along with woven silver necklaces (hasır) and amber products, this revival in Midyat tourism is pleasing the shopkeepers.
A Three-Thousand-Year History
Filigree master Mahmut Aykat emphasizes that the art has a history of approximately 3,000 years and is kept alive in the Mardin and Midyat regions.
Because it is a handicraft and cannot be found elsewhere, visitors feel admiration for this heritage.
Visitor Impressions
Merve Şalk, who visited Midyat, expresses that she had dreamed of seeing this historical texture for years and was amazed by the handcraftsmanship.
The hospitality and architectural structures in the region provide visitors with unforgettable moments.
Guides' Recommendations
Tour guide Aydeniz Kamer notes that they want visitors to come to the region not only due to the influence of TV series, but also to get to know the cultural heritage.
The goal is for the delicate engravings on jewelry and filigree to be recognized by broader audiences.