Cotton fluffing is one of the oldest occupations still practiced in modern times. It involves processing wool from animals to produce mattresses and pillows. In the past, when villages lacked access to sophisticated machinery, this task was performed using a tool called the “Kawan” (bow), which was a piece of wood shaped like a bow with a taut string. The products made through this process are used regularly. For example, the occupation produces excellent mattresses known as “Jodali” and 3-kilogram quilts that are considered very healthy and beneficial. A larger mattress weighing six kilograms is also made. Tools are used to process these materials; for cotton, wood is used to flatten it, while wool is processed by hand.
Cotton is the most common material used to make mattresses. Today, there are two varieties of cotton: industrial and agricultural. Agricultural cotton, being in its natural state, is currently more in demand. On the other hand, industrial cotton is primarily made from leftover materials.
Originally, this ancient occupation was performed primarily by hand using basic tools like boards, and the work was often unpaid. Experts in cotton fluffing would roam the streets, gathering raw materials such as cotton and worn-out mattresses. However, in recent times, sophisticated equipment has entered the market. Unfortunately, with the rise of large factories replacing these traditional crafts, people have gradually lost interest in this line of work due to social changes and population growth. In Kurdistan, this vocation is still mainly found in small towns, particularly in the Arbat, Koya, Halabja, and Zakho areas.
Using the equipment, especially when fluffing cotton, carries the risk of injury. This is an occupation often passed down from father to son, continuing through generations. Because the work is labor-intensive and requires patience, it is typically inherited from one’s ancestors. Although not statistically significant, some Arab and foreign travelers seeking health-related products have recently shown interest in cotton-fluff mattresses, especially for physical and health issues. However, the labor-intensive process of fluffing cotton is becoming less relevant due to the introduction of new machinery and the widespread availability of natural cotton mattresses produced in factories.
