DOI: 10.36347/sjavs.2017.v04i10.003

Pages: 396-413

The purpose of this article is to review silkworm (Bombyx mori) as a genetic resources of Turkey. Sericulture which gave the name “The Silk Road” to the old world’s trade routes between east and west, has an important role at financial activities for centuries. Journey of the silkworm from cocoon to fibre, fiber to fabric and fabric to clothes has affected the culturel dimension of social life. Sericulture has affected some traditional believes and practices. Some customs and believes have important role on every stage of conventional sericultural applications. Such as incensing at pupa’s room, not allowing anyone to enter pupa’s room against evil eye. The belongings of girls who will be bride such as dowry and bridal dresses have been made from silk. Dowry that includes handkerchief, clothing and underclothing, prayerrug, Quran case, curtain, sofa coat, scarf, “yazma”, bath clothing, and muslin used to be made from silk. A lot of poems and folk songs of folk artists include silk motifs. Some traditional believes and practices of sericulture that exist from ancient ages are examined in this rewiev.