Traditional Turkish Block Printing Art: Woodblock Printing

Block printing, one of the rich handicrafts of Turkish culture, is a tradition that has continued for centuries in Anatolia, especially with the woodblock printing technique. The art of printing patterns on cotton fabrics with wooden blocks holds great aesthetic and cultural value. In this article, we will explore the history of block printing, its first prints, the techniques used, the special place of Tokat and Kastamonu in this art, traditional dye making, and the first block prints preserved in museums.

History of Block Printing Art

Block printing is a printing art used to create patterns on fabric, and its origins date back to ancient times. Archaeological findings show that this art began with handprints on cave walls in the Paleolithic period and evolved over time with wax and clay molds. In Anatolia, the seals found in the Çatalhöyük excavations are considered the first examples of block printing.

The origin of woodblock printing dates back to the 2nd century in China. The Chinese created embossed patterns on marble, pressed wet paper, and printed with ink. In the 8th century, China developed and popularized the wood carving technique. This technique reached Central Asia via the Silk Road and then Anatolia. In Anatolia, block printing reached an artistic peak, especially during the Seljuk and Ottoman periods. It is known that this art has a history of approximately 700 years in Tokat.

First Print and Known First Masters

Although there is no definitive information about who first used the woodblock printing technique, the practices that began in China in the 2nd century were developed by anonymous masters. In Anatolia, the first examples of block printing emerged during the Seljuk period (11th-13th century). However, there is no record of a "first print" associated with a specific person. During the Ottoman period, from the 15th century onwards, block printing continued in professional workshops through a master-apprentice relationship. Tokat and Kastamonu stood out as centers of this art, but there is no definitive document about the person who made the first print.

Techniques Used

In block printing, woodblock printing is a relief printing technique done using wooden blocks. Here are the basic techniques:

• Woodblock Printing: Seljuk, Ottoman, or Hittite motifs are carved in reverse onto blocks carved from trees such as linden, pear, or walnut. The block is dipped in natural dye and hand-pressed onto 100% cotton fabric.
• Elvan Printing (Multi-Color Printing): In this technique, common in Tokat, multi-colored patterns are created using more than one block. A separate block is prepared for each color.
• Brush Painting: After block printing, some patterns are completed with a brush. This gives the prints a more detailed appearance.
• Ground Coating: A wide wooden block or brush is used to apply dye to create the ground color of the fabric. This process makes the patterns more prominent and usually creates a single-color background.

These techniques can only be applied to cotton fabrics, as synthetic fabrics do not hold the dye.

What is Ground Coating?

Ground coating is a technique used in block printing to dye the background of the fabric. In this process, a single color of dye is applied to the entire surface of the fabric, usually with a wide wooden block or a large brush. Ground coating makes the main patterns stand out more prominently and with greater contrast. For example, the red or blue backgrounds often seen in Tokat block prints are created with this technique. This process completes the aesthetic integrity of the print and enhances the visual impact of the patterns.

Specialization of Block Printing in Tokat and Kastamonu

Tokat and Kastamonu are among the most important centers of block printing art in Anatolia. The reasons for this are as follows:

• Tokat: Tokat, as a cultural and commercial center of Central Anatolia, provided a suitable environment for the development of block printing. Tokat block printing, with a history of approximately 700 years, is famous for its Elvan printing technique. The prevalence of cotton weaving and the abundance of natural dye sources in the region supported the development of this art. Tokat block prints gained an important place, especially in hope chests and daily use.
• Kastamonu: In Kastamonu, block printing is also known as "stone printing" because wooden blocks harden like stone over time. The rich forest assets of the region facilitated the production of high-quality wooden blocks. Kastamonu block prints stand out with Seljuk and Ottoman motifs, as well as Hittite patterns. Furthermore, Kastamonu's spread of this art to other regions like Denizli increased cultural interaction.

Both cities passed this art down from generation to generation through a master-apprentice relationship and developed unique motifs reflecting local culture.

Traditional Dye Making

The dyes used in block printing during the Ottoman period were obtained entirely from natural sources. In this period, when chemical dyes were not used, dyes were plant, mineral, and animal-based:

• Plant-based Dyes: Plants such as madder root (red), walnut shells (brown), onion skins (yellow), and indigo (blue) were used. For example, madder root gave bright red tones to the fabric.
• Mineral Dyes: Iron oxide (red-brown) and clay derivatives were preferred for durable colors.
• Animal-based Dyes: Red dye obtained from cochineal insects was rare and expensive.
• Binding Agents: Natural substances such as alum, vinegar, or salt were used to fix the dye to the fabric.

These dyes were both environmentally friendly and long-lasting, which allowed the block prints to survive to this day.

The First Block Print Acquired by a Museum

Although there is no definitive record of which was the first block print acquired by a historical museum, many Ottoman-era block prints are preserved in the Topkapı Palace Museum and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts in Istanbul. Particularly, 15th-16th century Ottoman block prints, along with the art of illumination and miniature painting, hold an important place in museums. However, there is no clear information about the name or location of a specific work as the "first block print." Examples of Tokat block prints are exhibited in the Tokat Museum. Kastamonu block prints can also be found in the Kastamonu Ethnography Museum.

The Place of Block Printing Art Today

Today, although technological advancements and mass production threaten the art of block printing, masters in Tokat and Kastamonu continue to keep this art alive using traditional methods. Techniques such as Elvan printing and stone printing attract tourists and are valued as cultural heritage. To support this art, you can visit local workshops and own a piece of cultural heritage with handmade block prints.

Block printing is a colorful and elegant reflection of Turkish culture. The mastery of Tokat and Kastamonu in this art is like a bridge extending from the past to the present. To discover this art is not just to understand a piece of fabric, but also the soul of a nation.