Weaving is among the oldest arts in human history, and weaved goods are produced to protect people from weather conditions and fulfill personal clothing and shelter needs. In addition to the fulfillment of these needs, weaved goods have been increasingly used for adornment needs due to the advances in technology and fashion. Humans created different products in every period due to their adornment and decoration requirements, and tried to decorate their clothing, homes and daily items. One of the best examples of this is the Ayancık district of Sinop province. Ayancık is a settlement in Sinop province in the Western Black Sea Region, with historical and cultural significance and known for its artisans. Linen weavers have been among these significant artisans. Linen weaving design has been different based on the area of use, the designs have been sometimes plain and sometimes included patterns. Although weavings, which have been fulfilled the needs of people, have been continued to meet daily needs, they are currently used only as curtains, tablecloths, etc. They are also used for decorative purposes and clothing accessories. Today, the production and use of these product still continue, albeit the production is quite limited. Linen production has been significant until the 1990s in the region. Currently, production decreased significantly after the 1990s due to technical advances and the availability of cheaper synthetic fibers. In early 2000s, production was completely aborted. Linen weaving in the region was forgotten and lost its former significance in the region. Thus, Ayancık linen clothes, included in the geographical indication index by the Turkish Patent Institute in 2017, is important for the contemporary production of material characteristics, motifs and embroidery with current standards and for cultural preservation. The aim of the current field study was to investigate and analyze the traditional linen Ayancık weavings, their motifs, production techniques and compositions, and areas of use such as decorations and clothing accessories, and to discuss these products with visual examples. Furthermore, recommendations are also included for the development of a market for the products that would be manufactured with current linen weaving needs in the region to ensure sustainability.

Keywords: Ayancık, weaving, adornment, ayancik linen