THE ENDANGERED WEAVING ART
ABA
The aba is a sturdy, coarse, thick, and collarless garment woven from beaten wool on a wooden loom set up slightly below ground level. The original was woven from ox, horse, donkey, and goat hair and wool in natural colors. Colorful embroidered abas were colored with root dyes. The variety called "Sırmalı aba" (gold-embroidered aba) features gold embroidery.
The aba is named according to the type and color of the yarn used, the motif, the size, and the region where it is worn. There are varieties such as Syrian (Humus) Aba, Local Aba (red, black, navy blue, and earth tones), Sırmalı Aba, Kıl Aba, Kısa Aba, and Uzun Aba. Maraş and Urfa abas, which have fewer back motifs, are another variety.
In the past, the aba was used for various purposes in villages. Wealthy individuals wore embroidered abas at weddings and special occasions, while ordinary people such as guards, shepherds, and farmers wore plain abas or colorful embroidered abas.
Furthermore, the aba gave its name to a wrestling tradition in this region, and it is worn in the "Aba Wrestling" held during certain months of the year.
The aba, which also found use in folk dance costumes, is a protective garment against the cold in winter.
