ABOUT US

Afyonkarahisar is one of the cities where Angora Goat is raised the most. Our province has the highest number of this goat breed after Ankara province, from which it takes its name. Travelers such as Evliya Çelebi, who traveled to Afyonkarahisar, mentioned the herds of goats they saw in this city in their memoirs and were surprised by their abundance.

In 1618, the traveler Simeon of Poland, who came to Afyonkarahisar, wrote in his memoirs: “These places we have passed through are a sea of white goats. The bright hair of these goats, which roam in herds, is like silk and glaze. There is no black in them at all. There used to be many herds of goats, but the Jalalis partially destroyed the animals, partially dispersed them and took the rest away.” In 1813, John Mac Donald Kinneir, a British officer who came to Afyonkarahisar, said that a merchant they met had a flock of about 20,000 goats and sheep that were fed in different pastures. Vital Cunet, an expert of the General Directorate of the Public Debt, who came to the city in the early 1890s, writes that there are plenty of mohair goats in Afyonkarahisar and that the sale of these animals abroad is not allowed. In 1902, German scientist Alfred Philipson, who came to the city, stated that mohair production in Afyonkarahisar was surprisingly high.

While the mohair obtained from these goats, which were at a considerable level in those years, was taken by the merchants and transported to İzmir by caravans and exported abroad; With the arrival of the railway to our city since the 1890s, the transportation of mohair became even easier, and the mohair in the hands of the merchants began to be shipped to the Istanbul market.

In these years, Afyonkarahisar mohair became a sought-after mohair type by the textile industry in Europe and America due to its quality.

The mohair trade in our city, which was monopolized by non-Muslim (Armenian) merchants until the 1920s, passed into the hands of the locals after the minorities left the city after the War of Independence. In the 1912 trade directory, only 1 of the 13 merchants who bought and sold mohair in Afyonkarahisar was Turkish, while all other merchants were Armenian.

The Gökgöz family was among the Turkish merchants who started to engage in this business with the Republic. The 4 brothers Nuri, İsmail Hakkı and others, who started buying and selling mohair in the historical stone store in Köprübaşı, one of the historical bazaars of Afyonkarahisar, became the devoted, diligent and honest representatives of this profession in our city for many years.

The family, known as “Ekmekçi Ömeroğulları”, took the surname “Gökgöz” due to the color of their eyes with the Surname Law enacted in 1934, and after this date, their trade name became “Gökgözler” and their workplace name was signposted as “GÖKGÖZ TİCARET”.

With 100 years of history, the activities of “Gökgöz Ticaret” in the field of raw materials such as wool fleece are continued today by the 3rd generation Nuri Gökgöz AŞ with international (export, import) qualifications.

In addition to dealing with his grandfather’s profession during his childhood and youth years, Nuri Gökgöz, who increased his professional experience in the field as well as industrially by working personally in production in Sincanlı Mohair-Tops Factory in 1990, continues his commercial service for textile sector businesses and local (sof, carpet, felt etc.) activities in every corner of our country from our city Afyonkarahisar.

As Nuri Gökgöz AŞ, our motto is a profitable, fast, reliable and friendly commercial activity. With this approach, we continue to be a merchant (exporter and importer) of mohair and other animal textile raw materials.

Within the scope of our commercial activities, we work with national (universities) and international (abroad) accredited laboratories for product quality and safety, we meticulously follow the supply security and sustainability of our products with our “know how” processes that continue with our connections in many producer and supplier countries such as South Africa, Italy, China, Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and our team that actively follows events such as national and international fairs, congresses and symposiums, and thus we try to support our national textile sector to keep and develop its trust, time and capital gains sustainable.

CASHMERE

Cashmere Wool is a luxurious type of wool obtained from the Cashmere Goat, a breed originating from the Kashmir region located between Pakistan and India. It is typically composed of fine, short, and incredibly soft fibers.

Although the Kashmir region is its place of origin, today Cashmere Goats are also bred in significant numbers in China, Mongolia, Afghanistan, Nepal, and the Himalayan regions. These goats typically have fleece in shades of white-grey to black-brown. They can live at altitudes of 3,000 to 4,400 meters during the summer and are capable of withstanding harsh winter conditions down to -40°C.

Cashmere goats have two types of hair: outer (guard) hairs and inner (down) hairs.
The outer hairs, measuring around 10–30 cm in length, serve as a protective layer for the fine undercoat. These are commonly used in the textile industry for products such as quilts, blankets, rugs, sacks, ropes, and similar items. In the fashion industry, they are used for scarves, beanies, socks, and in home textiles, particularly in carpet production.

The inner hairs are much finer—approximately 4–6 cm in length and around 14 microns in diameter. They are collected by combing or shearing the area from the goat’s neck down to its belly. The colder and longer the winter, the thicker, longer, and shinier these undercoats become. This type of fiber is primarily used in fashion for coats, sweaters, and shawls.

The process of obtaining cashmere wool is meticulous and labor-intensive. The soft, silky fleece formed on the goat’s chest and belly is gently combed using special tools during spring and summer. An adult Cashmere Goat yields an average of 1–1.5 kg of fleece annually. Although combing takes longer than shearing, it is known that goats prefer combing as it’s gentler and more comfortable for them.

From each goat, only about 70–100 grams of usable cashmere wool can be obtained. The raw fiber goes through several steps such as de-hairing (removing coarse hairs), washing, and drying. The final result is a soft, cotton-like white fiber weighing about 50–60 grams. This is then spun into yarn using specialized knitting techniques. Since a single cashmere sweater requires approximately 300–500 grams of wool, it takes the annual yield of 5–6 goats—or several years of wool from a single goat—to produce just one garment.

Cashmere wool is a highly valuable, premium, and expensive natural fiber in the textile industry. For this reason, it is often referred to as “diamond fiber” or “soft gold.”

Key qualities of Cashmere Wool:

  • Feels silky and feather-light against the skin due to its ultra-fine fibers.

  • 100% natural with excellent insulation properties.

  • Dyes more easily than many other natural fibers.

  • Keeps you warm in winter and cool in summer — it is reported to be 6–7 times more insulating than sheep wool.

  • Exceptionally healthy; often preferred for allergic individuals and even for babies.

  • Hypoallergenic — it does not itch, irritate, or cause allergic reactions.

  • Naturally antibacterial — prevents odors when worn.

  • Durable enough to last for many years; does not pill or wrinkle easily.

  • Despite its dense texture, it allows breathability and does not cause sweating.

  • Offers lightweight and effortless comfort with a luxurious, silky touch.

  • Its elegant appearance makes it a popular choice for high-end fashion.

MOHAIR

Mohair is a high-quality type of wool obtained exclusively from the Angora Goat. Known for its natural sheen, softness, and exceptional durability, mohair is a highly sought-after fiber in the textile industry.

It is believed that Angora Goats were brought from Central Asia by the Turks in the 1300s, and have since adapted to various regions of Central Anatolia, especially around Ankara. For centuries, these goats have served as a valuable source of mohair fiber. Angora Goats are a small-sized breed, with an average live weight of 40–45 kg, and are typically completely white, including their heads and legs.

The quantity of mohair obtained from a single goat over the course of one year is referred to as its “mohair yield.” In Türkiye, the average annual yield from a one-year-old goat ranges between 1.2 and 2.8 kg. The fineness of mohair fibers (measured in microns) varies depending on the age and gender of the goat but typically ranges between 26 and 36 microns. The fiber length averages between 20 and 30 cm. Fibers measuring 15 cm or less are considered “short fibers,” those shorter than 23 cm are classified as “medium fibers,” and any fiber 23 cm or longer is known as a “long fiber.”

The sheared but unwashed mohair is called “dirty mohair”
. Provided that it is at the same humidity level, the ratio of the amount of mohair obtained after washing and drying
processes to the amount of dirty mohair
is called “yield” and is expressed in %.

In the textile industry, the most desirable characteristics of mohair include fineness, length, strength, elasticity, and luster. The overall quality of mohair is also evaluated in terms of its brightness, softness, and color. Fineness is especially important for spinning, as finer fibers allow for smoother and higher-quality yarns. Besides length and fineness, another important quality indicator is the crimp count, or ondulation, of the fiber. Crimps help the fibers bind together during spinning. While fewer crimps result in softer fibers, increased crimp count reduces softness slightly but improves resistance to matting and felting.

Key Properties of Mohair:

  • Highly resistant to heat.

  • Low tendency to felt.

  • More vibrant and lustrous than other types of wool.

  • Easily dyeable in vivid and rich colors due to its chemical composition.

  • Excellent insulator: retains warmth in cold weather and allows breathability in hot weather, helping regulate body temperature.

  • Excellent moisture-wicking properties: does not cause sweating when worn.

Thanks to these outstanding qualities, mohair wool remains a popular and versatile raw material used across various sectors of the textile industry, including:

  • Production of garments such as dresses, knitwear, and sweaters

  • Traditional felt-making

  • Accessories like socks, scarves, hats, gloves, and shawls

  • Shoe and boot manufacturing

  • Home textiles, including carpets and blankets

Mohair continues to be a highly valued natural fiber, prized for both its beauty and its performance.

MOHAIR TOPS

Mohair Tops are semi-processed textile raw materials made from mohair fiber that has been washed and combed, ready for further processing and spinning into yarn.

Mohair is obtained from the Angora goat, a breed native to Turkey. The term “Mohair” is derived from a combination of the Arabic word “muhayyer”—meaning “select” or “chosen”—and the English word “hair”. In Western languages, the Turkish word “Tiftik” is known as “Mohair”.

Since its discovery, mohair has been regarded as a high-quality and precious fiber, often referred to as “noble wool” or “diamond thread”. It is highly valued in the textile industry due to its durability, lightness, lustrous appearance, health benefits, and its excellent dye-absorbing properties. Beyond textiles, mohair also finds usage across a wide range of industries—from aerospace to national defense.

The production of Mohair Tops begins with collecting the mohair fleeces sheared from Angora goats. These fleeces go through a washing and combing process to become Mohair Tops. Angora goats are typically sheared once a year, usually in March or April. Special care is taken to ensure the fleece (also called the “blanket”) is removed in one piece, without tearing or damaging the structure.

The sheared mohair is classified into five categories based on its physical characteristics:

  • Kid Mohair (Baby Mohair)
  • Fine Mohair
  • Good Mohair
  • Ordinary Mohair
  • Coarse Mohair

To preserve the natural shine, color, and softness of the fibers, the washing process is carried out with utmost sensitivity to prevent fading, matting, or felting. After washing, the mohair is carefully combed, making the fibers ready for spinning into yarn. The combing (or tops-making) process is carried out according to the export markets targeted by the buyer companies and is under their responsibility. The quality of the mohair directly affects its processability and usability as Mohair Tops.

During the Mohair Tops production process, key features such as the mohair’s color, staple length, kemp content, and grease content are adjusted based on customer demands, ensuring the final product meets the desired specifications.

These semi-processed products, once washed, combed, and made ready for spinning, are formed into bales and stored. At this stage, they are officially referred to as Mohair Tops.

MERINO / WOOL

Fibers are fine, typically uniform structures that form in the skin of animals. Unlike hair, they grow alongside or beneath the hair. Fibers obtained from Angora goats are called “mohair”, those from Cashmere goats are called “cashmere”, those from camels are called “camel hair”, and those from Angora rabbits are known as “angora”.

The fibers obtained from sheep are known as “wool”. Although the word “wool” is often used to refer to any type of fiber, it should strictly be used to describe fibers sourced specifically from sheep.

In our country, sheep are typically shorn once or twice a year. The shorn wool goes through several processes such as washing, drying, and combing. On average, a sheep yields around 1.5 to 2 kilograms of wool. A single wool fiber has a diameter ranging from approximately 18 to 40 microns.

Characteristics of Wool:

  • Wool is a 100% natural textile fiber.

  • Thanks to its microfiber structure, it keeps the body warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.

  • It has high heat resistance and maintains temperature balance at normal body temperature while allowing the skin to breathe. It absorbs perspiration, preventing the wearer from sweating.

  • Being natural, it does not cause allergic reactions.

  • It has the ability to attract and discharge static electricity.

  • Wool blocks ultraviolet (UV) rays.

  • It is highly resistant to fire and rain, does not easily ignite or get wet, which is why it has traditionally been used by shepherds.

  • It regulates moisture when worn on the body.

  • It can absorb toxic chemicals, binding them to the cortex layer in the middle of the fiber.

  • Wool is an excellent insulator; it absorbs and isolates sound waves and vibrations.

  • It is extremely flexible and durable; it can be bent up to 2,000 times without breaking and return to its original form.

  • It dyes easily and holds color well.

Wool in Traditional Medicine:

Looking back at the historical use of wool, we see that since the domestication of sheep, wool has been utilized both in ancient and traditional medicine. In Avicenna’s (Ibn Sina) renowned medical book “The Canon of Medicine” (Al-Qanun fi’t-Tibb), the term “wool” is frequently mentioned. According to this work, it is recommended that breastfeeding mothers use bedding and quilts made of wool or mohair, due to its benefits for both mother and child.

Even today, wool continues to be used in traditional healing practices in our country. Some examples include:

  • Wearing wool to relieve joint pain and rheumatism,

  • Applying raw (unprocessed) wool to specific areas for muscle and bone disorders,

  • Placing chamomile tea–soaked wool on varicose veins,

  • Wearing woolen socks to treat ingrown toenails.

Modern Uses of Wool:

While wool has a wide range of uses in the modern textile industry, it is especially common in the production of:

 

  • Winter clothing such as sweaters, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves, thermal leggings, and base layers,

  • Rugs, carpets, and blankets,

  • Certain types of furniture and upholstery materials,

  • The cosmetic industry, through a by-product of wool called Lanolin (wool grease/wax).

 

 

WOOL TOPS

Wool Tops are wool materials that have been washed and cleaned, combed, and formed into slivers, which are then coiled into tops, ready for spinning.

The production of Wool Tops is a long process that begins with the shearing of sheep.

In our country, especially in the Anatolian region, sheep and goats that are carefully selected and raised for the production of Wool and Mohair Tops are sheared, and the process of producing wool tops begins right after shearing.

Long wool fibers are processed using the “Worsted Wool Preparation Method”, while shorter fibers are prepared using the “Woolen (Carded) Wool Preparation Method”.

First, the raw fleece is soaked in hot water with detergent for a while to remove dust and coarse dirt. After drying, the wool undergoes a process called carding. During carding, the wool fibers are opened up and separated in a way that prepares them for spinning. At this stage, the opened fibers can either be spun directly or formed into a short single sliver for the woolen method.

To align the fibers uniformly, they are placed on a worsted sliver and passed through small gill-like combs in a process known as gilling, preparing them for combing. In the combing process, the fiber sliver is passed through fine comb teeth. This step removes short fibers and other contaminants, resulting in high purity and quality wool.

At the end of these processes, a second sliver known as a “top” is formed from the long fibers. These thick wool slivers are then coiled and stacked into tops.

Now cleaned, combed, and prepared for spinning and subsequent dyeing, our Wool Tops are high-quality, pure, and practical wool raw materials that are in high demand across the textile industry.

CAMEL WOOL

Camel Wool refers to the fibers obtained from camels. While commonly known as “camel wool,” some literature also refers to it as “camel hair.”

Camel wool comes in two distinct types and qualities, based on the structure of the camel’s wool coat:

  • On the surface: Coarse, dark-colored guard hairs, typically 50–70 mm in length and 20–120 microns in diameter, which are not suitable for spinning.

  • Underneath: Fine downy fibers, which can reach up to 100 mm (10 cm) in length and are 15–25 microns in diameter. These finer undercoat fibers are naturally crimped and ideal for spinning.

On average, a camel can produce about 2–3 kilograms of wool per year. Camel wool naturally comes in various shades such as tawny, light brown, reddish, and yellow.

Properties of Camel Wool:

  • It is resistant to both heat and cold, acting as a natural insulator.

  • It is water-repellent and does not retain moisture.

  • Physically, camel wool is lustrous, soft in texture, and possesses high tensile strength.

Camel Wool in Culture and History:

In traditional Turkish culture, camels and camel wool have always held a place of honor. During the Seljuk period, camel wool was frequently used in felt-making, and in Mevlevi tradition, some dervishes crafted their “sikke” (a conical felt hat specific to the Mevlevi order) from camel wool.

The Sarıkeçili Yörüks, a nomadic community still living in Anatolia today, observed that camel wool is slow to ignite, and therefore traditionally used it to make tents and quilts.

Camel wool is not only esteemed for its spiritual and cultural significance but also for its practical, functional advantages:

  • It is an excellent insulator. In extremely hot weather, it regulates humidity and body temperature, absorbing sweat and providing a cooling effect like natural air conditioning.

  • Due to its high warmth retention, ancient cultures used camel wool as a remedy for pain, wrapping it around the waist, head, neck, or other aching areas.

  • Its natural color resists fading over time.

  • Thanks to its durability and unique texture, it is favored in the making of traditional products such as felt, saddle bags, ropes, belts, mattresses, and tents.

ALPACA

Alpaca fiber is obtained from Alpacas (Lama Pacos), animals of the camelid family that are native to South America, particularly Peru, Bolivia, and Chile, though they are also raised in South Africa.

Alpaca is considered a luxury fiber thanks to its extremely soft and silky feel, lustrous appearance, high tensile strength, excellent heat retention, ease of dyeing, and exceptional resistance to pilling (the formation of small fiber balls on fabric surfaces). These qualities make it one of the most sought-after fibers in the textile industry.

Alpacas are divided into two types based on their fleece appearance:

  • Huacaya Alpacas have short, curly, fluffy fleece that creates a wool-like texture.

  • Suri Alpacas have long, straight, silky locks that resemble hanging dreadlocks. Suri alpacas are less common, and their fleece is considered more valuable due to its longer length and silkier quality.

Alpacas are typically sheared once every 18 months. On average, each adult alpaca yields around 3.5 kilograms of fiber per shearing. The fleece comes in a wide range of natural colors including white, grey, light and dark brown, fawn, black, and mixed tones. The fiber diameter ranges from 18 to 25 microns, while the fiber length is approximately 25–30 cm for Huacaya and 50–55 cm for Suri alpacas.

Key Features That Make Alpaca Fiber Highly Desirable:

  • It has excellent crimp (waviness), making it suitable for weaving fine fabrics.

  • Its most distinctive trait is its silky softness. It is hypoallergenic and does not cause itching, making it ideal even for individuals sensitive to traditional wool.

  • Due to the microscopic air pockets within its structure, it provides up to seven times more warmth than wool.

  • It has good drape, allowing it to fall gracefully in garments.

  • It is highly resistant to pilling, maintaining a clean appearance over time.

  • It absorbs dye very well, enabling vibrant and long-lasting coloration.

  • Compared to sheep wool, it has much higher abrasion resistance, making it more durable.

Thanks to all these valuable characteristics, Alpaca fiber is widely used in:

  • Knitted garments,

  • Lightweight suits and dresses,

  • Coats, jackets, sweaters, and other winter wear,

  • Traditional handwoven textiles and artisanal crafts.

ANGORA

The Angora Rabbit is one of the oldest rabbit breeds and the only rabbit whose wool is suitable for use in the textile industry.
The fiber obtained from the Angora Rabbit is called “Angora” or “Angora Wool.”

Angora wool is primarily used in knitted textiles due to its exceptional fineness, softness, lightness, and hypoallergenic properties. It is known to be five times lighter than sheep wool and retains heat 7–8 times more effectively, making it significantly warmer than conventional wool.

Quality Grades of Angora Wool:

According to the literature, Angora wool is classified into four quality grades:

  1. First-grade fibers are longer than 6 cm, clean, soft, and lustrous.

  2. Second-grade fibers measure between 3–6 cm, also clean, soft, and shiny.

  3. Third-grade fibers are obtained from the neck and feet of the rabbit. They are clean but partially felted.

  4. Fourth-grade wool refers to sheared but dirty wool.

Angora fibers typically have a diameter of 10–12 microns and an average length of 36 mm, though superior quality fibers can reach up to 110 mm. Due to their low crimp structure, the friction between fibers is minimal, resulting in a soft and glossy appearance and lower felting tendency. However, Angora is sensitive to static electricity, and due to its extreme lightness, garments made from it may flutter when worn.

Fiber Characteristics:

Angora wool is harvested through combing and shearing of Angora rabbits, typically every 3 to 4 months, yielding approximately 200–400 grams of fiber per rabbit each time.

It is considered the lightest natural fiber in the world. Structurally, Angora fibers are medullated, meaning they have a hollow cylindrical core. This makes them excellent insulators—they retain warmth efficiently and prevent heat loss. They also wick away moisture, making them breathable and non-sweaty. These qualities contribute to Angora wool’s health and comfort benefits.

Applications in the Textile Industry:

Angora wool is often blended with other natural fibers, such as regular wool, in the textile sector. It is especially popular in the production of:

  • Clothing items,

  • Baby garments,

  • Knitting yarns,

  • Sweaters,

  • Gloves, and other winter accessories.

SILK

Silk is the name of the fiber discovered in China around 2600 BC and brought to Anatolia via the Silk Road. It is produced and spun by the silkworm (Bombyx mori), which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves, through its silk glands and mouth.

Because of its unique and luxurious characteristics, silk has maintained its popularity in the textile world for centuries. The Chinese famously described it as “fiber from heaven”, and it earned the title “Queen of Fibers”.

The silkworm secretes silk through its mouth and weaves it into a cocoon. The fiber extracted from the cocoon through various methods is called “silk fiber”. Depending on the type of cocoon, the continuous silk filament drawn from a single cocoon can range from 400 to 1600 meters in length.

To obtain silk fiber, the end of the thread on the cocoon is first located. The thread is then pulled and boiled in warm or hot water to soften the protein called sericin, which binds the fibers together. This allows the threads to be separated. The separated fiber ends are wound with the help of a reel. Several filaments combined in this manner are referred to as “raw silk” or “greige silk.”

Silk is a continuous filament fiber, unlike wool or linen. This continuity gives it superior strength compared to other natural fibers. It is also significantly finer and softer, which is why expressions like “silky smooth” or “soft as silk” have become synonymous with smoothness and luxury.

In addition to its softness, silk possesses excellent tensile strength and elongation capacity. A single silk filament can stretch up to 35% of its original length without breaking. This strength, combined with its flexibility, has made silk valuable not only in textiles but also in engineering fields. Some studies even suggest that silk is stronger than steel in certain conditions.

Key Properties of Silk:

  • Silk is considered the finest and most durable animal fiber. It can stretch 10–25% without breaking.

  • It has excellent moisture absorption capabilities.

  • A continuous silk filament up to 800 meters long can be drawn from a single cocoon.

  • Due to its smooth and uniform filaments, silk has a very soft and sleek texture.

  • It has good drape and flexibility, resulting in a luxurious and graceful appearance.

Applications in Textiles:

Thanks to all these remarkable properties, silk continues to be widely used in the textile industry today, particularly in:

  • Clothing: trousers, jackets, shirts, suits, ties, coats, socks, gloves, and lingerie,

  • Home textiles: handkerchiefs, lace, curtains, bedspreads, and more.