topískar

Topískar, also known as Turkish Cotton, is a type of knitting fabric originating from the Middle East and parts of Eastern Europe. The term "topískar" is derived from the Turkish word "top" meaning cotton, and "işkar" meaning woven fabric.

This traditional textile is characterized by its white or light-colored cotton yarns, often mixed with a small amount of wool or other fibers. The fabric is woven in a simple plain weave or twill pattern, typically on a handloom. Topískar was traditionally used for clothing, bedding, and tablecloths in Turkish, Greek, and Bulgarian cultures.

Topískar fabric is known for its breathability, softness, and durability. It is a warm and lightweight material, suitable for spring and autumn seasons. In its traditional form, topískar is produced on small-scale, family-owned looms, where the warp and weft yarns are carefully selected and matched according to the desired color and texture.

While topískar retains its cultural significance and traditional production methods, modern textile manufacturers have adapted the technique to produce analogous fabrics using synthetic yarns. Contemporary topískar often incorporates innovative textile finishes, providing a mixture of traditional and modern characteristics.

Despite its ongoing cultural relevance and the introduction of new technologies, topískar production remains largely a local enterprise, with limited global commercial activity. Its modest volume production unravels a complex legacy between traditional practices and modern textile manufacturing.