23.07.2026 02:00
The fine wool of lambs sheared in the Erzurum plateaus cannot find buyers due to the widespread use of synthetic materials. The breeders give the wool to those in need or dispose of it.
With the arrival of summer, the first shearing of lambs has begun in the plateaus of the rural Söğütlü neighborhood, affiliated with Erzurum's Aziziye district.
RAINLESS AND HOT DAYS ARE PREFERRED
The first shearing, performed after lambs reach 3 to 6 months of age, is carried out to protect the animals from hot weather and ensure they are healthier against external parasites. To prevent the animals from catching colds and falling ill, rainless and hot days are preferred, and lambs are left unfed that day to avoid shortness of breath before shearing.
LOST ITS FORMER VALUE
The fine lamb wool obtained from this practice, known in animal husbandry as "lamb" or "hogget" shearing, which was once preferred for making pillows and quilts, has now lost its former value.
First-time lamb wool, being much finer, softer, more elastic, and cleaner than adult sheep wool, held an important place in the textile industry and the production of household items in the past. Today, with the widespread use of synthetic filling materials, interest in lamb wool is decreasing year by year.
TRADITIONAL SHEARS AND MODERN MACHINES ARE USED TOGETHER
In the shearing work carried out on the plateaus, century-old traditional hand shears called "kırklık" and modern electric shearing machines are used together. Due to the very thin and sensitive skin of lambs, breeders work with great care to prevent harm to the animals. Lambs being sheared for the first time experience moments of fear and excitement when caught, laid down, and due to the noise of the machines.
"OUR LAMBS GET A BIT EXCITED"
Muhammet Lâçin, who works as a laboratory technician at Erzurum City Hospital and also engages in animal husbandry, said, "Around this time, our lambs have grown up. They are 5-6 months old, and it's time for shearing. We shear our animals during this period to protect them from the heat and against external parasites. Some of us do this with traditional shears, the old-style scissors, while others use more modern electronic devices. Our lambs get a bit excited. They get scared when we catch and lay them down, and from the sound of the machines. They also experience stress due to us startling them a bit. We are excited too. We will be shearing here for several days. Shearing one lamb takes about 10-15 minutes on average, depending on the animal's condition. We will be here until we finish shearing all our animals," he said.
"WE GIVE IT AWAY IF THERE IS NEED, AND DISPOSE OF THE REST"
Stating that wool is no longer valued as in previous years, Lâçin said, "In the past, sheep and lamb wool was used in many areas. Especially lamb wool, being softer, used to be made into pillows. Today, this use has decreased significantly. Beds and pillows are now made from more modern materials. Fibers are used. Still, we have neighbors and friends who continue the old methods. When they need it, we give them the wool, and we dispose of the rest," he added.