Throughout history, the art of sock knitting has developed in accordance with differing aesthetic preferences across various cultures and has become one of the indispensable elements of human clothing. Despite this, it remains one of the relatively understudied branches of textile arts. Dating back to B.C. periods, sock knitting has held an important place within Turkish weaving culture since its earliest examples. For the Turkic communities living in the steppes of Central Asia, socks were among the essential elements of clothing. Through various tribes and clans, the tradition of sock knitting was carried to Anatolia, where it evolved within the framework of local handicrafts and became enriched with distinctive regional motifs and embroidery techniques. The sock knitting examples seen in different provinces of Anatolia reflect the cultural accumulation and aesthetic understanding of their respective regions. The district of Tuzluca, which constitutes the focus of this study, is located in Eastern Anatolia on the Erzurum–Kars route and is administratively connected to the province of Iğdır. Due to its geographical position along historical trade caravan routes, the district has gained economic and cultural significance throughout history. Tuzluca Cave, one of the most important elements contributing to the district’s recognition, also plays a significant role in promoting the region. The Tuzluca sock knitting samples examined in this study were produced in accordance with the aesthetic preferences and tastes of the local people. These examples, which have survived from the past to the present, were made using wool yarn dyed with natural dyes and have been diversified and brought to life through the craftsmanship of local women, becoming part of the region’s cultural heritage. Within the scope of this study, ten hand-knitted wool socks identified in the Tuzluca region were examined. The motifs, colors, and tonal variations used in these knitted works were analyzed, and drawings of the motifs were prepared and included in the study. Based on these ten different examples of hand-knitted wool socks identified in Tuzluca district of Iğdır province, the decorative and embroidery characteristics observed in knitted socks from past to present were evaluated.
Iğdır, Tuzluca, sock knitting, pattern.