FERETİKO

Feretiko is a traditional handwoven fabric from the Eastern Black Sea region of Türkiye,

with a history that goes back centuries. For a long time, it was a natural part of everyday life

among local communities. Especially around Rize, it is known as Rize bezi (Rize Cloth / Rize

fabric). Today, feretiko is a geographically registered product that represents this deep-

rooted textile tradition.

Although written historical records are limited, oral history and regional research suggest

that feretiko weaving may date back to ancient times, possibly even before the Common

Era. The presence of Scythian communities along the Black Sea coast and the region’s

historical connections with the Ancient Greek world point to early weaving practices similar

to feretiko. Some interpretations also suggest that the name “feretiko” may have Greek

origins, later transformed through local languages over time.

During the Ottoman period, feretiko weaving became especially widespread around Rize

and continued to be produced on home looms until the mid-20th century. This knowledge

was mainly passed down by women, from generation to generation. More than a technical

skill, it became a shared cultural memory embedded in daily life.

Traditionally, feretiko was woven entirely from hemp fibers. Hemp was well suited to the

region’s climate and was locally grown, spun into yarn, and used in weaving. After hemp

cultivation was banned, this practice changed. Feretiko began to be woven with cotton warp

and hemp weft, resulting in a fabric that is softer and more comfortable against the skin.

Feretiko is woven on traditional black looms using a plain weave technique. In the region,

production takes place on black looms with widths of 40, 70, and 90 cm. The process is slow

and requires focus, patience, and skill. Each piece is shaped by the rhythm of the weaver

and the character of the loom, which makes every feretiko fabric unique.

Hemp fiber is one of the strongest and most durable natural fibers used in textiles. Feretiko

is breathable and helps regulate body temperature—keeping the body cool in warm

weather while offering natural warmth in cooler conditions. It provides natural UV

protection, has antibacterial properties, and is gentle on the skin. With use and washing, it

does not wear out; instead, it softens, gains a subtle shine, and becomes more beautiful over time. With proper care, feretiko can be used for many years and grows in value as it ages.

Today, feretiko is more than a fabric. It is a living heritage of the Eastern Black Sea

region—carrying the relationship between nature, women’s labor, and slow, mindful

production. Each piece holds traces of the land it comes from and continues to collect new

stories through use.