Hasırcılık (Wicker Rug/Mat Making)

The covers that are knitted on looms from dried plant stems, generally used as floor coverings, sometimes as wall and ceiling coverings, are defined as wicker rugs or wicker mats. Two types of reeds called “aksaz” (white bulrush) and “karakofa” (black hairsedge, a type of cattail) are used in making wickerwork. The bulrush or cattail used for making wicker rugs or mats are generally grown in wetlands and swampy areas. Bulrush or cattail growing on the shores of Uluabat Lake is cut with a sickle when it is green and left for ten days to dry. The mats, the sizes of which vary according to the areas of use, are knitted by crossing from one bottom to the other between yarns stretched from one end to the other on the loom. Today, kilims (flat tapestry, woven carpets or rugs), sun loungers, beach umbrellas and decorative mats are knitted with bulrush, which is used in wickerwork production. The protective containers knitted around the woven baskets, demijohns and large flasks used in the transportation of vegetables and fruits are made of “aksaz” (bulrush). Wickerwork production is traditionally carried out in Mustafakemalpaşa District.