The History of Silk

Silk, one of today's most valuable textile raw materials, has a fascinating history. China is the ancestral home of the silkworm. According to legend, silk was discovered during the reign of Chinese Emperor Huangdi in the 2600s BC.

A caterpillar in the palace gardens caught the emperor's attention after eating a mulberry leaf and spinning its own cocoon. The emperor ordered a closer examination of the creature's life and assigned the task to his wife, Empress Xi Ling Shi. After extensive research, the empress discovered that silk thread could be obtained from the cocoon and that this thread could be used in weaving. For this reason, Xi Ling Shi is remembered as the "Silk Goddess" in the history of sericulture.

The Development of Sericulture in China

For centuries, silkworm farming in China was a highly respected and valuable pursuit, conducted in strict secrecy. Silk production brought the country great fame and created a major source of income.

To prevent this valuable production knowledge from being lost, China enforced very strict rules for centuries. Those who tried to smuggle the secrets of silkworm farming out of the country or assisted them faced the death penalty for a time.

In the 300s AD, silkworm farming began to spread first to Japan and later to India. Over time, the most important trade route, which crossed Asia from end to end and reached Europe via Anatolia, became known as the "Silk Road."

Silk Reaches Anatolia and Europe

The spread of silk production to Anatolia and Europe gained momentum during the reign of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527–565). Thanks to the silk brought west by Indian and Persian merchants during this period, advanced silk weaving developed in Constantinople.

Silk reached Europe via Anatolia and became one of the most important products of international trade. Since ancient times, the silk industry has held an important place in the economic and cultural lives of many nations.

Silk and spices from the Far East played an important role in the international relations of the Western world. The silk trade also contributed to the Western world's recognition of Eastern culture. Trade routes stretching from China to Europe developed thanks to the transport of silk and spices by caravans.

Today, more than half of the world's silk production is still carried out by China.

Interesting Facts About Silk Production

• Approximately 10 kg of mulberry leaves can feed 500 silkworms.

• Approximately 1 kg of cocoons can be obtained from 500 silkworms.

• Approximately 150 g of pure silk can be produced from 1 kg of cocoons.

• Approximately 1.8 m² of silk fabric can be woven from 150 g of pure silk.

Thanks to its thousands-of-years-old history, natural structure, and unique properties, silk continues to be a symbol of elegance, quality, and comfort.