Evliya Çelebi was a Turkish traveler and writer who documented many aspects of life in Istanbul during the 17th century, including the papermaking process. Here are some details he provided:
1. The first step in papermaking was to collect rags and other fibrous materials. These could be old clothing, linen, or even cotton. These materials were sorted by color and quality.
2. Next, the rags were washed to remove any dirt or impurities. They were then boiled in water with some sort of alkaline substance, such as lime, to break down the fibers.
3. After boiling, the rags were left to soak for a few days. During this time, the fibers would become more pliable and easier to work with.
4. Once the fibers were ready, they were beaten with wooden mallets to separate and align them. This process was called "breaking."
5. The fibers were then mixed with water to create a pulp. This pulp was poured onto a flat surface and spread out evenly. A mesh screen was placed over the pulp, and a roller was used to press out any excess water.
6. The paper was then left to dry in the sun. Once it was dry, it was smoothed with a stone or shell and cut to size.
7. The finished paper was then ready to be used for writing or printing.
Evliya Çelebi noted that the papermaking process in Istanbul was highly regarded for its quality, and that paper produced there was used throughout the Ottoman Empire.
Certainly, here are some additional details Evliya Çelebi provided about the papermaking process in Istanbul:
1. The papermaking industry was centered around a neighborhood called Eski Kâğıthane, which was located on the banks of the Kağıthane River. The river provided a source of water for the papermaking process.
2. There were several different types of paper produced in Istanbul, including white paper, colored paper, and watermarked paper. The highest quality paper was called "Bursa paper," which was made using a special process that involved adding silk fibers to the pulp.
3. The papermakers in Istanbul were highly skilled and were organized into guilds. Each guild had its own regulations and standards for the paper produced by its members.
4. In addition to paper, the papermakers also produced other paper products, such as playing cards, books, and scrolls.
5. The papermaking process was not without its hazards. Evliya Çelebi noted that the papermakers worked in damp and poorly ventilated workshops, and were exposed to toxic fumes from the alkaline substances used in the process.
6. Despite these dangers, papermaking was a respected profession in Istanbul, and the paper produced there was highly prized. In fact, Evliya Çelebi wrote that the paper produced in Istanbul was considered to be of higher quality than the paper imported from Europe.
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