Ottoman Door Knocker Tradition Lives On in Erzincan

In the deep canyons of Kemaliye, Erzincan, a thousand-year-old tradition continues through the unique door knockers that adorn local homes. Dating back to the Ottoman period, these knockers served a practical purpose: different sounds indicated whether a visitor was male or female. A deep sound meant a man was at the door, while a lighter sound signaled a woman.

Beyond this, the intricate motifs on the knockers held symbolic meanings. For instance, a lamp motif symbolized the hope for an eternal hearth, while a bird motif indicated that the homeowner had a relative abroad. Bird-head motifs marked the residence as belonging to a Muslim family, and the ox symbol represented family unity.

Sema Bozik, a local resident, shared that while many traditional crafts like carpet weaving have faded over time, the door knocker tradition still captivates visitors. These knockers continue to keep Kemaliye’s rich heritage alive, preserving a cultural legacy that has endured for centuries.