Silk production began in China around 2700 BC. According to legend, Empress Si-Ling-Chi discovered how to extract silk thread from silkworm cocoons. This discovery led to the opening of the Silk Road and the expansion of the silk trade. Therefore, silk production is considered a uniquely Chinese tradition.
Silkworms, especially the 'Bombyx mori' species, are the most widely used insects in silk production, and their production process works as follows:
Egg stage: Silkworms lay eggs which, under suitable temperature and humidity conditions, hatch into larvae in a few days.
Larval stage: The larvae generally feed on mulberry leaves and love them. They eat so much that their weight increases tenfold after about a month! During this process, they molt, their color lightens, their feathers disappear, and they reach a length of 7-8 centimeters.
Incubation stage: When the larvae reach a sufficient size, they begin to use the energy obtained from overfeeding to spin a cocoon. This cocoon is made of silk threads and usually contains 3,000 meters of thread. The silk threads are composed of a protein substance secreted by the larvae's salivary glands.
Cocoon collection: Once the silk cocoon is complete, it is usually collected before the larva emerges, as the silk thread can be damaged when it comes out.
Silk processing: The harvested cocoons are boiled or steamed to obtain silk threads. This process gives them softness and luster.
Weaving: The threads obtained are processed on looms to turn them into silk fabric.
Silk has held immense importance throughout history, both economically and culturally. The Silk Road, stretching from the Far East to Europe, played a vital role in the transport of this valuable fabric. Thanks to its soft texture and lightness, silk has been a preferred material for both clothing and decoration.
Its unique properties, such as being hypoallergenic and odor-resistant, have made silk even more appealing. Sultans and kings used it not only as a fabric but also as a status symbol.