HEREKE WEAVES

Among the annexes of Dolmabahçe Palace was the "Palace Weaving House". The workshop, where silk fabrics were woven for the needs of the palace and where silk weaving looms were located, was later moved to Hereke. The samples we have are the products of Hereke Factory. First sample is claret red coloured branch and flower pattern on yellow background. Second sample is woven in a closed composition scheme using silver wire on a dusty rose coloured silk background. Third sample is woven in a closed composition scheme using yellow wire on a red coloured silk background. During the Industrial Revolution, the Ottoman industry was in trouble due to the fact that the easiness provided by the new Jacquard punch card system, thus, resulting in an increased production which developed in Europe filling up the Ottoman market. The palace administration had the palace weaving workshop in the courtyard of Dolmabahçe Palace transferred to Hereke, and in 1843, a factory consisting of 50 cotton and 25 silk taffeta looms were established under the name Hereke Imperial Factory. Hereke Factory was developed in a very short time and received awards in international exhibitions it participated in. Among the awards received by Hereke Imperial Factory were honourable mention for ribbons and stripes in 1855 Paris International Exhibition, medals for silk fabrics in 1862 London II. International Exhibition and grand prizes in 1892 Vienna, 1894 Lyon, 1910 Brussels and 1911 Turin Exhibitions. During the Republic period, Hereke Factory became a part of Sumerbank, which was established in 1933 as a modern business with 107 looms. Hereke weaves are woven in combined weaves using silk thread. The patterns and colours are completely different from the Ottoman style as it was established to produce western style weaving. Western patterns with large flowers were applied. Hereke weaves were woven in Istanbul and used in home textile, especially as upholstery and drapery.