Sericulture includes all the practices and traditional knowledge in the process, from the cultivation of mulberry, which is the sole nutrient of the silkworm, to the growth of larvae hatching from silkworm eggs, by feeding on mulberry leaves, the spinning of the growing insects, obtaining silk thread from the cocoons and weaving with these threads.

Having been fed by fresh mulberry leaves silkworms start to spin their silken cocoons after 24-26 days. The cocoons are collected before the pupa pierces its cocoon. After the boiling process cocoons become softened and with the help of a stick peak of the thread is obtained. The silk reeling process was applied on cocoons that gave the threads to obtain raw silk. Raw silk is taken from the reel and hung on the reeds to become clean and get dry. Raw silk threads are sent to warp and then become skein. Because of its natural feature, it can be dyed very easily. They are dyed by madder. To remove its toughness, it is boiled in hot water containing ash and Aleppo soap. After the boiling process, they are rinsed with cold water and strung out to dry. Finally, they are ironed.

Silk fabric and thread are used in many areas due to their special structure. Silk is used in the production of many products, from archery materials to surgical thread. Various fabrics, clothes, and clothing accessories are obtained from silk woven on silk looms. Shawls, dresses, scarves, shirts, ties, and home textile products such as curtains, sheets, pillowcases, and covers are among the products obtained from silk. In addition, Hereke Carpets are woven only from pure silk threads, which require long-term labor and patience.

In short, silk is a special and valuable product that shows its existence in many areas of daily life, and it is a cultural element that encourages human creativity and traditional solidarity.

Hasan Büyükaşık was declared a Living Human Treasure in 2017 as a Sericulture and Traditional Production of Silk for Weaving Master.