The Rag Doll as a Folkloric Handicraft in the Malatya Region: The Case of Azet Bacı; [Malatya Yöresinde Folklorik El Sanatı Ürünlerinden Oyuncak Bez Bebek: Azet Bacı Örneği]

The production of cloth dolls, which are considered among traditional and folkloric handicrafts, dates back to ancient times. Through their folkloric clothing styles, regional embroideries, decorative details and symbols, these dolls facilitate the transmission of regional culture, embodying tangible cultural heritage alongside artistic and aesthetic elements. Produced in various regions of Anatolia, cloth dolls reflect the unique cultural identity of each locality. Specifically, dolls produced in Malatya, such as Aşhan Bacı, Azet Bacı, Eşe/Ayşe Bacı, Fatma Bacı, Hatice Bacı and Hamdi Dayı display the daily life of the region through their authentic attire. In this study, a qualitative research method was adopted. Through document analysis, the historical and cultural background of folkloric cloth dolls was researched by examining academic publications, articles, and books within the literature. Furthermore, the Azet Bacı cloth doll, belonging to the Malatya Yeşilyurt (Çırmıktı) region, was directly observed, and its clothing, apparel, and decorative elements were analyzed in detail. The obtained data were interpreted within the framework of cultural indicators. Cloth dolls serve the purpose of transferring a nation’s cultural codes and social roles from generation to generation. Emerging within a cultural structure, these toys entertain children, contribute to their cognitive development and prepare them for marriage and family life. Simultaneously, they contribute to the development of social skills such as leadership, solidarity, sharing, and cooperation, thereby guiding individuals’ future lives.