Elegance of Gelich; an ancient art form of Semnan Province
In the rich tapestry of Iran’s cultural heritage, Gelich Bafi stands out as a significant traditional craft, particularly in the Semnan province. This ancient art form reflects the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans who have passed down techniques through generations. Gelich, resembling Kilim rugs, showcases unique patterns and vibrant colors that enhance the beauty of any space. It not only serves aesthetic purposes but also plays a practical role in daily life, making it a cherished part of Iranian culture.
One of the applied handicrafts of Semnan is Gelich Bafi. Like many other handwoven crafts of Iran, Gelich is very ancient, and since it resembles Kilim, it is locally named Gelich. The warps of Gelich are made from cotton yarn, while colorful wool yarns are used for the wefts, visitiran.ir wrote.
The tools used to create Gelich are similar to those of textile machinery, but the final product resembles Kilim. Because Gelich is often produced using machinery, the production rate is higher, making it more financially efficient. The method of weaving Gelich is akin to that of making fabrics; however, spun cotton yarns with a high level of twist are utilized as warps. Colorful wool yarns are threaded as wefts, creating beautiful geometric motifs in various colors. Gelich can be made in sizes suitable for prayer rugs, ground cloths, and doormats.
Gelich is versatile and can be used to create various items such as Sar Hamoumi — a bag for bath tools used in public bathhouses — Ayeneh Kiseh, meaning “mirror bag,” which is a small sachet for makeup accessories or sewing supplies; Asb Sari, a large piece of Gelich placed on horses during weddings to enhance the dowry’s appearance; Kaj Sari, a sachet that historically held utensils but is now filled with fibers for cushions; and Korsi Sari, the cover of a Korsi (a low table with a heater underneath) that beautifies the setting.
Gelich features many famous patterns and key centers for producing the beautiful handwoven products include the northern cities and villages of Semnan.
To preserve Gelich, it is essential to protect it from moths, humidity, flames, direct sunlight, chemical bleachers, and sharp objects. Cleaning Gelich is simple, requiring only soap and lukewarm water to maintain its beauty and longevity.