Research Article

A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba

Volume: 14 Number: 3 September 30, 2026
TR EN

A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba

Abstract

Aba, one of the distinctive indicators of cultural identity, is a traditional outer garment that has been used for centuries in and around Kahramanmaraş. With its natural-fiber-based narrow weaving technique, structural construction based on the combination of alt şah–üst şah and motif composition formed during the weaving process, aba is a holistic design object that, in addition to its functional characteristics, also possesses formal and structural characteristics. In this respect, there is a distinct relationship between the production technique and the formal and structural characteristics of aba. This study aims to examine the relationship between form, structure and motif in Maraş Abası through the example of the Yedi sandıklı köprülü-direkli aba using a design analysis approach. A qualitative method was adopted in the study; measurements were taken from the examined aba, pattern drawings were prepared using the Optitex computer-aided pattern-making program and the weaving pattern reports and motif composition were digitally created and evaluated in accordance with design principles. The findings indicate that, in the examined Yedi sandıklı köprülü-direkli aba, the visual quality of aba does not derive solely from the motifs formed during the weaving process; rather, the relationships among motifs, empty spaces, directions and densities within the sections constituting the garment also contribute to the formation of its formal integrity. The placement of motifs and their visual distribution across the alt şah, üst şah, şak and kol sections of the garment were evaluated in accordance with design principles such as repetition, rhythm, balance, contrast and symmetry. This evaluation demonstrates that considering the formal and structural characteristics of the examined aba together in terms of design principles provides a different perspective for explaining the visual organization of the traditional garment. Consequently, it was concluded that motifs can be considered not merely as surface ornamentation but also as design components associated with the formal and structural organization of the garment. In this respect, the study contributes to the reconsideration of traditional garments within the framework of design principles and craft morphology.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Textile and Fashion Design

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 22, 2026

Acceptance Date

August 19, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 14 Number: 3

APA
Keleş, E., & Nas, E. (2026). A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba. Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning, 14(3), 379-396. https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ
AMA
1.Keleş E, Nas E. A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba. GUJSPB. 2026;14(3):379-396. https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ
Chicago
Keleş, Emine, and Emine Nas. 2026. “A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning 14 (3): 379-96. https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ.
EndNote
Keleş E, Nas E (September 1, 2026) A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba. Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning 14 3 379–396.
IEEE
[1]E. Keleş and E. Nas, “A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba”, GUJSPB, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 379–396, Sept. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ
ISNAD
Keleş, Emine - Nas, Emine. “A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning 14/3 (September 1, 2026): 379-396. https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ.
JAMA
1.Keleş E, Nas E. A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba. GUJSPB. 2026;14:379–396.
MLA
Keleş, Emine, and Emine Nas. “A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba”. Gazi University Journal of Science Part B: Art Humanities Design and Planning, vol. 14, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 379-96, https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ.
Vancouver
1.Emine Keleş, Emine Nas. A Design Analysis of the Relationship Between Form, Structure and Motif in Maraş Aba: The Case of the Yedi Sandıklı Köprülü-Direkli Aba. GUJSPB [Internet]. 2026 Sep. 1;14(3):379-96. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA36KJ36JZ