The legacy of Chepni culture, "Aghasar dresses", are indispensable for festivals

Ağasar dresses, which literally mean "fighting the enemy" and are an indicator of the culture of the Chepni people, who played an important role in the Turkification of the Black Sea region in history, have been used in the region for centuries.

Ağasar dresses, tailored to order by tailors in the Şalpazarı district, are preferred for daily life and special events such as weddings, carnivals, festivals and holidays.

Mehmet Kandazoğlu, President of the Ağasar Folklore Research Youth and Sports Club Association, told an AA correspondent that Ağasar dresses were registered as products with a geographical indication on April 28, following an application the association made to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.

Kandazoğlu thanked the institutions and organizations that contributed to the geographical indication process, saying, "This garment originates from Central Asia. You won't find this garment anywhere else in Anatolia. We embarked on this journey because of its special character. We strive to ensure that our culture doesn't disappear. We are waging this struggle to pass it on to future generations. We are striving to appeal to young people, to remember our customs and traditions, and to do something for the future."

Havva Yaşar, a district resident who said she uses the Ağasar dress in her daily life, said the dress is suitable for geographical features, climate conditions and working conditions.

Yaşar, noting that each piece in the dress fulfills a need, said, "Our elastics are resistant to all conditions, whether in the vineyard or the garden. Our socks are long, our skirts are wide, and our waistbands are elastic, allowing us to work comfortably. The sash is used by women to carry loads and protect our waists and bodies for health reasons. The vest is used to protect our backs over our dress. Our dress consists of ten pieces."

Yaşar emphasized that they are diligent in preserving their culture, saying, "We wear this clothing at all our events, festivals, and special occasions. Everyone finds it odd when we wear this clothing and don't participate in the festival. Our children are carrying on our traditions from Central Asia. We are very happy about this."

Sixteen-year-old Meral Deniz, a high school student, stated that she enjoys wearing traditional dresses, saying, "It's a piece of clothing we wear at all the festivals and weddings. I'm on the folklore team, and we use it all the time. I wear it with great pleasure. I will be careful to preserve my culture."

Ali Yamaç, who makes only local Ağasar dresses in his tailoring shop, said that he continues this profession that his mother has done for 50 years.

Stating that women are interested in local clothing, Yamaç emphasized that demand is especially high during festivals.

Yaşar, noting that she also receives clothing requests for festivals organized by associations outside the district, said, "Some people place orders in the winter. Summer starts in April and May and continues until September. Women choose to wear them to various festivals. They're having two or three outfits made, not just one. So, the demand is high."