The Yağcibedir yörükler are descendants of nomads who over the centuries settled in the Sindirgi district of Balikesir in northwestern Turkey. To director Mert Solak, whose film Kirkit (‘Weaving Comb’) traces the millenium-old tradition of Yağcibedir carpet weaving, the rhythmic thump of the kirkit felt like a heartbeat that was slowly fading away amidst the noises of modern mass production. Solak’s film is not just an objective documentation of the intricate patterns and invisible labor of yörük women engaged in this traditional handcraft. It is also a personal protest from the director against the exploitation of traditional labor and a tribute to the resilient spirit of nomadic culture. 

Mert Solak
Mert Solak  is a 26-year-old filmmaker and a student at Yeditepe University, whose work navigates the intricate intersections of cinema, sociology, and history. Growing up in Turkey, Solak developed a profound dedication to preserving cultural heritage through visual storytelling. Kirkit marks Solak’s professional debut as a director, serving as a cornerstone project that reflects his commitment to documenting the human condition and fading traditions. By capturing the rhythmic essence of Yörük culture, he seeks to bridge the gap between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary cinematic language.