Workshop and Show-and-Tell: Natural Dyes of Türkiye
In Person, October 3-4, 2025, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. EDT
Carpet (detail), Western Iran, 1850-1950. The Textile Museum Collection 2001.3.1. Gift of Marion Stirling Pugh.
Two days of interactive programming explore the mastery of natural dyeing traditions in Türkiye. Through workshop and show-and-tell sessions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of natural dyes, including historical, cultural and technical aspects. The program will focus on the classical Anatolian color palette derived from madder root, a traditional dyestuff cherished by handwoven carpet makers and connoisseurs for centuries.
This program is a partnership with the International Hajji Baba Society.
Session 1: Friday, October 3, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Instructor Deniz Coşkun will prepare yarns through the mordanting process and demonstrate the first steps of extracting purple shades from the madder root. During this session, Coşkun will also present on the historical, technical and cultural significance of natural dyes in Türkiye. Registrants are invited to tour the exhibition Enduring Traditions: Celebrating the World of Textiles to see examples of natural dyes from the Anatolian region on display.
Session 2: Saturday, October 4, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
With a larger audience, Coşkun will reveal the results of the dyeing process started on Friday. Registrants are invited to bring Turkish textiles, or examples from Turkic or Kurdish tribal traditions in Persia, with shades of red for a show-and-tell and discussion. Coşkun will highlight the socio-cultural and socio-economic contexts in which Turkish textiles were originally produced.
About Deniz Coşkun
Born in Istanbul, Türkiye, Deniz Coşkun focused on weaving and natural dyeing while studying chemical engineering at university. He then completed a M.B.A., specializing in nomadic and cottage weavings, and studying with scholars and expert dealers. Fascinated by the weaving style of Anatolian Turkmen nomads, he traveled among Turkmen tribes, examining the continuing tribal and ethnic structures of post-Ottoman Anatolia. Coşkun often speaks at textile events, teaches natural dyeing and weaving courses, and leads cultural and textile-oriented tours in Anatolia.
How to Participate
Both sessions will take place in person at the museum. Advance registration is required; space is limited. Please indicate in your registration which session(s) you will join. No food or drink will be permitted in the program spaces.